My Thoughts on 40 Days of Evil: MetroJet Disaster, Paris, & San Bernardino
The question of evil appears to be eternal, but in fact, evil had a beginning, and it will have an end.
|
When you experience suffering, you cannot allow it to cause emotional and spiritual paralysis.Suffering and pain hit us from all sides: mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The good news is that there are biblical answers for both of these particular problems. Even so, the number one reason people walk away from faith is the personal experience of unexpected suffering. If we have not prepared for suffering in our lives by answering the unanswered question of suffering, when the problems happen, we are unprepared to live through them. In view of all the tragedy around him, Gideon had the audacity to interrupt the angel who was bringing him a direct word from God. Gideon had a burning unanswered question for the messenger from God: “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (JUDGES 6:13, NIV). Some people believe the Bible does not provide an answer for the problem of evil. But in fact, Scripture addresses this serious question. It explains why there are evil, suffering, injustice, and tragedy in the world and how we can experience the peace of God through the trials of life. Read my LifeWay Bible Study Insider article here for an excerpt from my new book Unanswered*: 4 Principles That Affirm God’s Power Over Evil and Suffering. I will never forget standing in the Mamertine prison in Rome, where tradition says Paul spent his last days. Similar to a dungeon, it was Rome’s version of death row. I thought of how Paul’s strength through God empowered him to face suffering, knowing that the end was near. In the very room I was standing Paul wrote: For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 TIMOTHY 1:12, NASB). Only God can enable us to see our trials as temporary experiences, as awful as they may be, and as preparation for the exceeding joy and glory of His eternal presence. – Jeremiah P.S. This week I was interviewed about everything from evil and tragedy to zombie fascination – I have enjoyed several opportunities recently to be interviewed about Unanswered … here’s a recent playlist, click here. |
|
Jeremiah in the media for the Unanswered tour – For interview requests contact Karen Campbell: 616-309-4390 or Karen@karencampbellmedia.com. To view a recent playlist click here |
