Some Insight to God's Role in the Midst of Suffering and Evil

Some Insights to God's Role in the Midst of Suffering and Evil

December 2

Contemplating the profound realities of death and the often harrowing circumstances that accompany it inevitably leads us to question the role of God in such situations. Why does God, who sees and knows all, allow suffering to persist? Is there a greater purpose behind it, or is it merely the result of human free will? In our quest for answers, we turn to the scriptures for guidance, seeking to comprehend how our relationship with God influences protection, healing, and divine intervention.

In the face of life's trials, it is crucial to acknowledge that God has granted humanity free will. We are entrusted with the Earth, and our choices shape our world. Turning to God requires faith, and it is this faith that can bring about miraculous protection, healing, and even the resurrection of the dead. While God does not always forcefully override our will, there are instances when divine intervention occurs. Examples can be found in the Bible, such as when Joseph and Moses were guided and protected (Genesis 37-50; Exodus 2), or when the Hebrew children were miraculously saved during the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The scriptures recount stories of God's intervention throughout history, both in the Old and New Testaments. Elijah called down fire from heaven to protect himself (1 Kings 18), and King Herod faced swift consequences for proclaiming himself as a god (Acts 12:20-23). Even in the New Testament, we see instances where divine judgment swiftly befell those who defied God's will, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). However, God often allows events to unfold according to the choices made by individuals. This is evident in the atrocities that occur in our world, such as rape, murder, and terrorization. Those with a strong faith in God may find protection, and some willingly face dire circumstances with faith, as seen in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 11). Yet, many suffer due to a lack of a deep relationship with God or ignorance of His ways.

The Bible warns, "My people perish for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6), emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from God. In 1 Corinthians, it is noted that people die due to improper participation in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). Thus, procedures and knowledge imparted by God are available to protect us from harm, provided we are willing to receive and apply them. The fearless commitment of the Apostle Paul to spreading the gospel, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies the transformative power of a strong relationship with God. When we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8), and fear diminishes. The key to overcoming adversity lies in pursuing God, believing in Him, and trusting in His wisdom. Scripture also addresses the concept of prayer and the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and protecting believers. Romans 8 speaks of praying with groanings when words fail (Romans 8:26), hinting at the importance of a prayer language. This prayer language can lead to transformative changes in situations, preventing us from falling into the traps set by the devil.

God often directs His people through the Holy Spirit. Individuals have reported receiving warnings from the Holy Spirit, such as not boarding a plane that later crashed. This underscores the significance of sharing the gospel and spreading the good news to prevent unnecessary suffering. In 1 Chronicles, God promises healing and restoration to a land when His people humble themselves, turn from wickedness, and repent (2 Chronicles 7:14). This offers a glimpse into God's desire for a close relationship with us, in which He intervenes for our benefit when we align with His will. Understanding that God has already done immeasurably more than we can fathom by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (John 3:16), allows us to enter into a transformative relationship with Him. This relationship empowers us to be overcomers in a world filled with tribulations (John 16:33). Jesus declared, "In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Through Him, we tap into the power of an indwelling God who enables us to combat spiritual forces and evil influences.

In times of darkness and suffering, we must remember that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). He is not merely a philosophical concept but a real and active force for change. He possesses the ability to heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, give hearing to the deaf, and breathe life into the lifeless. As the Creator of all (Colossians 1:16-17), He holds everything together and can recreate what is needed to bring hope and transformation. In conclusion, the question of why God allows suffering and evil in the world is a profound one, rooted in the complex interplay of free will, divine intervention, and human faith. While some events may appear dire, our relationship with God, pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, and reliance on the Holy Spirit enable us to overcome adversity and bring healing and light into a dark world. By aligning ourselves with God's will and sharing the good news with others, we can work towards a world where His protection and transformative power prevail.