Last week, a lady asked me this question. "Why does God allow tragedy and suffering to happen in this world ?"

Let me share this with everyone.

#TutsyDailyScriptures

1. God is not the creator of evil and suffering.

The answer to the question: "Why didn't God merely create a world where tragedy and suffering didn't exist?" The answer is: He didn't! Genesis 1:31 says: "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

2. But if God is not the author of tragedy or evil, where did they come from? Well, God has existed from eternity past as the Father, Son and Spirit, together in a relationship of perfect love. So love is the highest value in the universe.

3. And when God decided to create human beings, he wanted us to experience love. But to give us the ability to love, God had to give us free will to decide whether to love or not to love. Why? Because love always involves a choice.

4. So in order for us to experience love, God bestowed on us free will. But unfortunately, we humans have abused our free will by rejecting God and walking away from him. And that has resulted in the introduction of evil into the world.

5. "Couldn't God have foreseen all of this?" and no doubt he did. But look at it this way. Many of us are parents. Even b4 we had kids, couldn't we foresee that there was the real possibility our kids may suffer pain in life, or that they might even hurt us & walk away from us?

6. Of course—but you still had kids. Why? Because you knew there was also the potential for tremendous joy and deep love and great meaning.

So as we ponder the mystery of pain and evil, we need to be mindful that God did not create them.

7. God knew we'd rebel against him, but he also knew many people would choose to follow him and have a relationship with him & spend eternity in heaven with him. And it was all worth it for that, even though it would cost his son great pain & suffering to achieve our redemption.

8. Though suffering isn't good, God can use it to accomplish good.

In Romans 8:28 the Bible promises, "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."

9. Our suffering will pale in comparison to the good things God has in store for his followers.

In Romans 8:18 we read: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

10. The day is coming when suffering will cease & God will judge evil. Many people wonder: "If God has the power to eradicate evil & suffering, then why doesn't he do it?"

But there's a flaw built into the question. Just because he hasn't done it yet doesn't mean he won't do it.

11. He's delaying everything out of his love for humanity. 2 Peter 3:9 reads: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

12. Jesus said in John 16:33."I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. But be courageous! I have conquered the world."

Shalom