Why Doesn’t God End All Evil and Suffering Now?
By Brandi Haskins, Walking As Ruth
Scripture
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Blog Post
One of the most difficult questions Christians and seekers alike ask is this:
If God is truly good and all-powerful, why doesn’t He end evil and suffering right now?
Here are four truths to help you understand God’s heart towards and plan for mankind.
1. God is NOT the author of evil.
Jesus, the Son of God, who only did what He saw the Father doing and only said what He heard the Father saying, once taught, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) In this we learn that the thief is evil, and all his purposes are evil. In contrast, Jesus said of Himself, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Scripture demonstrated the truth of His words when, in John 11, Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the grave. Not only did Jesus have the power over death, He showed us what His will was – that people would have abundant life here on the earth, unafraid of death or the enemy that authors it.
2. God Will End All Evil and Suffering — And We Will Enter Glory
God has promised to one day “wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things [will] have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
So why not today?
Because God is patient. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) In other words, God waits because He loves. His patience is not indifference. It is mercy.
He can be merciful because He knows the future that awaits those who love Him. It is so great that it makes our current sufferings, as horrible and heart-wrenching as they may be, “unworthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
3. Spiritual Wickedness Still Operates — But It Cannot Win
In the meantime, during this present age, there are spiritual forces of wickedness at work in this world. We are at war “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Satan rages because he knows his time is short. But he is already defeated through the cross of Christ, and we are the victors. “Death no longer has dominion over [Jesus].” (Romans 6:9) And because of the Son’s obedience, God will one day “swallow up death forever, and … will wipe tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8)
4. God Can Bring Good Out of Evil
God is not the author of evil. But He is so powerful that He can turn even what the enemy means for harm to good. The great patriarchs of the past understood this. Joseph himself told it to his brothers who had sold him into slavery. (Genesis 50:20) However, the greatest and most relevant example is the cross.
The crucifixion of Jesus was the worst injustice in history. Evil roared with laughter as the followers of Jesus wept in confusion, looking on as the Savior of the World died an unspeakable death and was buried in a tomb. It was truly the darkest day in history.
Yet, God turned it to good. The stone was rolled back as the Son rose from the grave. If God can turn the cross into victory, He can redeem any tragedy. Don’t be afraid to ask Him to.
Journaling Prompts
When you think about the suffering you see in the world, what feelings come up first? Share those with God. He is not scared of your feelings or even your accusations. He is a mighty God. You don’t need to take care of Him. Be open to His redirect as you share with Him.
How does knowing God is patient and merciful change your perspective on recent events?
What lies do you need to reject about God’s character during times of pain? He is altogether good. And He is altogether loving.
Where do you see God at work even in places of tragedy?
Action Steps
Spend time praying for someone who is suffering this week. Don’t shy away from it because it hurts to think about. Instead, weep with those who weep. Ask God to comfort them and reveal His love.
Read Ephesians 6:10–18 and commit to putting on the armor of God each day. Tragic events reach far beyond the circle closests to them. They touch mankind. Make sure you are protected so that as you process tragedy, you do so covered in the armor of God.
Reach out to someone who is questioning God and gently share what you have learned about His patience and mercy. You do not have to know all the answers. Don’t make up what you do not understand. Instead, sit with them in the unknown, resting in the promise of God’s goodness.
Write down one way you have seen God bring good out of a hard season in your own life as a reminder of His faithfulness. He rewrites history in His children’s favor. Everytime. (See, e.g. Hebrews 11). Give him permission to rewrite yours and to have dominion over the present circumstances.
