Truth Madien Edition | Page 18

people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Q: Why is there so much evil in the world if there’s a God? just make us perfect and that way we wouldn’t sin?” He already did that. He made a perfect angel, Satan, but he sinned. He made a perfect man, Adam, and he sinned. A: Let’s first define what evil is, it is that which is against God. It could be anything morally bad or wrong, injurious, depraved, wicked and the list goes on and on. He made a perfect woman, Eve, and she sinned. God knows what He is doing. He made us the way we are for a purpose. We don’t fully understand that purpose, but He does. The next important fact is that God created man with a free will, that is the capability to reason or think God is sovereign; He has the right to do as He wishes. He has the right to permit evil for accomplishing His ultimate will. How can He do that? Simple, look at the Cross. It was by evil means that men lied and crucified Jesus. Yet God in His infinite wisdom used this evil for good. It was on the Cross that Jesus bore our sins in His body (1 Peter. 2:24) and it is because of the Cross that we have forgiveness of sins. It was on the Cross that Jesus bore our sins in His body and make decisions. For most people the real question is “if God exist how come there is evil?” however the implication of God controlling every action of man would be that we will not have the ability to think or make choices. While I admit that this answer will not satisfy everyone, the truth remains that God in His sovereignty, permits it and keeps it under His control. Consider the biblical example of Joseph in the Old Testament. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. Though they meant it for evil, God meant it for good (Gen. 50:20). God is so great that nothing happens without His permission, and in that permission His ultimate plan unfolds. In His Plan He is able to use for good what man intends for evil. God is in control. Then you might say, “Couldn’t He Q: I believe in God and understand Truth 18 why I should love Him but I struggle to do this practically. I find it hard to get over pain. How do I overcome this? A: Love is an innate nature of God, which makes it impractical or possible for anyone to love as God expect us to. The very nature or seed of sin in us means that we default to do the very things that will not please God, consequently losing God’s peace. Apostle Paul put it this way in Romans 7:23 (NLT) that …. there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. This does not mean that we are incapable of enjoying God’s peace; it just means that we have to actively depend on His promises instead of focusing on the problem. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Let me assure you that God can turn things around, just put your trust in Him completely in Matthew 19:26 we learn that …… “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Practical Steps 1. Acknowledge that you need the love of God 2. Acknowledge that you can’t love God by yourself 3. Know that God loves you and wants to help you to enjoy this love 4. Let Him in and respond to His love. Truth 19