Introduction: The Story of Joseph
Let us begin with the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph was beloved by his father but hated by his brothers. Out of jealousy, they sold him into slavery, and Joseph was taken to Egypt.
There, he endured many trials: he was falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned. However, despite all this, Joseph remained faithful to God.
In time, Joseph rose to power in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh.
When a famine struck the land, it was Joseph who saved not only Egypt but also his own family from starvation.
Later, when his brothers feared that Joseph might seek revenge, Joseph responded with these powerful words: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).
The story of Joseph is a powerful example of how God can use what appears to be evil or harmful for a greater purpose. But it also raises a deeper question: why does God allow evil at all?
Understanding the Nature of Evil and God’s Sovereignty
1. The Reality of Evil in the World
We live in a world where evil is undeniable.
We witness suffering all around us - from natural disasters to acts of violence. These sufferings lead many to question: If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does He allow evil to exist? Why doesn’t He simply stop it?
2. Free Will and the Consequence of Sin
One of the key answers lies in the gift of free will.
God created humans with the freedom to choose, because love that is forced is not genuine love.
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve the ability to choose, but with that freedom came the possibility of disobedience, and thus sin entered the world.
Evil and suffering are, in part, the consequences of humanity’s collective misuse of this free will.
Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
The world is broken, and evil exists because of sin.
3. God’s Permissive Will
Even though God does not desire evil, He permits it for reasons that often transcend our understanding. This is often called God's “permissive will.”
He allows certain things to happen, not because He approves of them, but because He can bring about a greater good from them.
Consider again the story of Joseph.
What his brothers did to Joseph was unquestionably wrong—selling him into slavery was an evil act. But God, in His infinite wisdom, used that very act to position Joseph in Egypt, where he would later save countless lives.
Joseph could not have been in the place where God needed him without the initial suffering.
4. The Refiner’s Fire: Suffering and Spiritual Growth
Another reason God may allow evil and suffering is that it often leads to spiritual growth.
Romans 5:3-4 tells us: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Like a refiner’s fire purifies gold, suffering can purify our faith, stripping away the superficial and drawing us closer to God.
In times of trial, we may find ourselves asking, “Where is God in this?”
But often, it is during these moments of hardship that God is doing His deepest work in our lives.
5. Christ on the Cross: The Ultimate Example of God’s Goodness in the Face of Evil
The most powerful example of God allowing evil for a greater good is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The betrayal, suffering, and death of Jesus was the ultimate act of evil. And yet, through His death and resurrection, the greatest good was achieved—the redemption of humanity.
Acts 2:23 speaks of this profound truth: “This man [Jesus] was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
Evil men carried out the act, but God used it to save the world.
6. Trust in God’s Plan
While we may not always understand why God allows evil in specific situations, the Bible assures us that God’s plan is always good.
Romans 8:28 gives us this promise: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We may not have all the answers, but we are called to trust in God, knowing that He sees the bigger picture.
Like Joseph, who couldn’t understand why he was suffering in the moment, later saw how God was working all things for good, we too will one day understand God’s purpose.
Conclusion: The Hope Beyond Evil
Brothers and sisters, evil is a part of our broken world, but it is not the end of the story. Through Christ, God has already overcome evil.
We live in the tension of this present age. But we can trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God.
In the end, we know that all evil will be vanquished, and God’s kingdom of love, justice, and peace will reign.
Until then, yes, until then, let us hold onto the hope that, as Joseph realized, what others intend for harm, God can and will use for good. Amen.
