"A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesian 6:10-13, NLT)

The verses above remind us that evil really does exist in the form of Satan and evil spirits. They also tell us that we are to use the strength that God gives us to stand against the evil in this world. Paul encourages us to have peace when facing evil, and stand on the faith that God will provide His protection to us and save us.

This week, we are exploring the question of why God allows evil in our world. We sometimes see bad things happening to us or to those we love, and we wonder "why would God allow this to happen." I personally believe much of it boils down to our free will, and the building of our character.

Part of the joy of being in a loving relationship with someone, is that loving them is something you "choose" to do. It is your free will to do something else, but instead you choose to love them and to demonstrate your affection toward them. Without this choice, love would not mean as much, if anything at all. The same is true with our choosing God. He desires that we choose Him, but it is still our choice. I believe "good" and "evil" are similar. Both must be present so that we have to make a choice between pursuing good and pursuing evil. For it is in making our choices daily about which paths we will choose, that our character is developed and our relationship with our God is nourished.

When you see the evil around you in this world, know that there is a God who is good who is watching over you. Pursue Him, and pursue the good choices that are ahead of you.

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8)

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So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. (Job 34:10)

Whenever something horrible happens, people turn to God. Some turn to Him for the first time, choosing to call on Him and eventually coming to believe. Others call on Him in a more negative way, blaming Him for what has happened and asking the common question, "Why would a good God allow such evil?"

I've been asked this question many times. On September 11th, when a family friend died tragically and unexpectedly, when watching the latest awful news story.... Whenever this question comes my way, I have to pause for a moment, because I don't have the answer, and for that I am thankful. I don't think my mind could wrap around God's reasoning for this. The answer I do have is this:

We have to have faith that God is good. We have to choose to believe that, even when things around us don't look that way. Faith is a choice, and we have to continue to choose to believe that God is good, He is in control, and that - as Romans says - He will work everything out for good for those who love Him. We may never know why these things happen, and we may never stop hurting when we think about it. We just have to continue to rest in knowing that God never changes, He does not lie, and He says to us that He cannot tolerate evil. Those who do bad things will eventually face judgment. God does not do evil, but maybe He allows it to continue here on earth to remind us of how broken mankind is, to show how badly we need Jesus, and so that He can do something good to prove to us - to someone - who He is. We may never know how He is going to make something good out of something terrible, but I choose to believe that He will. I believe that because He says He will. It just takes faith.

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Why does God allow evil?

When God created mankind He made us in His image and gave us freedom to decide how we act, what we choose....free will. If you think about it, free will is a double edge sword, a blessing and a curse. God gave us the opportunity to live for Him or to live our way.

We tend to make selfish, self-centered and evil choices. These unwise decisions go against God's commandments; including to "love your neighbor as yourself." I know that even as a Christian I do not always choose to live like He commands, I let my sinful nature have its way. The fact that He allows me to ask forgiveness and come back to Him is such a gift and blessing! Since the earth is a fallen, imperfect place; we must strive to do God's will and pray as Jesus taught us "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Remember that we were created for a relationship with God, but He waits for us to choose Him....He doesn't force us.

Focus on these verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 1 Peter 5:6-11 And remember that we are not in our permanent home and need to strive to be a good witness to those that are lost and do not have eternal salvation.

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Why does God allow evil?

When God created mankind He made us in His image and gave us freedom to decide how we act, what we choose....free will. If you think about it, free will is a double edge sword, a blessing and a curse. God gave us the opportunity to live for Him or to live our way.

We tend to make selfish, self-centered and evil choices. These unwise decisions go against God's commandments; including to "love your neighbor as yourself." I know that even as a Christian I do not always choose to live like He commands, I let my sinful nature have its way. The fact that He allows me to ask forgiveness and come back to Him is such a gift and blessing! Since the earth is a fallen, imperfect place; we must strive to do God's will and pray as Jesus taught us "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Remember that we were created for a relationship with God, but He waits for us to choose Him....He doesn't force us.

Focus on these verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 1 Peter 5:6-11 And remember that we are not in our permanent home and need to strive to be a good witness to those that are lost and do not have eternal salvation.

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And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:22

"Do not be angry, my lord," Aaron answered. "You know how prone these people are to evil." Exodus 32:22

The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood." Genesis 8:21

Why does God allow evil? How do you define evil? Often we think of evil as being something "bad." God equates evil with sin. It began in the Garden of Eden when the eating of the fruit of the tree broke the one rule God issued to Adam and Eve. The book of Genesis illustrates how disobedience to God multiplies rapidly. Soon in the story, man's sin is so rampant that God is sorry he ever made us and he sends a flood to destroy the earth.

You may think it over simplifying to say that evil is a choice we make; but if you play it out it isn't as simple a statement as it may seem. If you are willing to agree, that evil is sin and that all sin is evil, then it follows that you have been guilty of committing evil. In that moment, just before you committed the sin, would you have wanted God to intervene and stop you; or would you rather make your own choice? By being allowed to choose for yourself, you are allowed to fail or succeed. You have as much of an opportunity to please God as you do to displease God.

Philosophy rarely seems like much of an answer when tragedy occurs. Why doesn't God prevent horrible acts? Could it really be as simple as God allowing us the opportunity to please him?

Be a changing force. Pray this week that God will help you identify actions displeasing to him before you commit them and pray for the strength to choose to please God.

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