EVIL AND A GOOD GOD

October 6 

The One forming light and creating darkness, producing peace and creating calamity; I am Yahweh who does all these.  Isaiah 45:7

One of the questions that almost everyone has asked is, “How can God be good when there is so much evil and suffering around?” Maybe you have asked that question yourself. There are a number of truths that we must keep in mind as we seek to answer this important question. Let’s just look at three. 

First, God cannot sin, or even tempt someone to sin. James 1:13 declares, “…God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” Second, man is completely responsible for his sinful thoughts and actions. James goes on to describe the process, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully matured, it brings forth death” (1:14-15). And finally, God is in control of every single detail, He is sovereign. Psalm 135: 6 declares, “Whatever Yahweh pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” Taking all of these truths together we arrive at the understanding that God, who is merciful and gracious, has designed a plan that may include suffering and pain, for our good and His glory. Many times we will not be able to understand why He does what He does. But we can rest assured that He has a good reason, and if we had the opportunity to see what He sees, we would acknowledge that His plan is best, even when He sends calamity into our lives. Meditate on the verses surrounding Isaiah 45:7, as you ask God for strength to trust Him.  

Joshua Steiner