The Bible is the only book that fully addresses the question of evil—its entrance into the world through the Garden of Eden, what God thinks about sin, and how His love provides the only remedy. Although sound doctrine is not a substitute for faith, it is crucial to have a Scriptural understanding of God, of ourselves, and of the world. What we believe about God determines how we live and how we respond to tragedy.
Our God is in complete control . . . He is working to redeem all things for His purposes.
Satan, the great deceiver, has blinded many people to the spiritual realities of heaven and hell and of sin and salvation. Many have bought into one of his greatest lies: that he does not even exist. The angel Lucifer was originally created by God to worship the Creator. He was the highest-ranking angelic authority, filled with wisdom and beauty. However, the more he admired himself and what God had given him, the more arrogant he became. Ultimately, he wanted to take God's throne, so God cast him out of heaven along with his angels (see Isaiah 14:12-15). The Bible says that he now "masquerades as an angel of light," prowling around "like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (2 Corinthians 11:14 and 1 Peter 5:8). Satan is the one who steals, kills, and destroys (see John 10:10).
Evil can also be a result of our own ungodly decisions. All are born with a sinful nature and the need for a Savior. Because God has given us free will, we can choose whether or not we will obey Him—a decision that honors God, brings us life, and blesses others—or disobey Him—a decision that results in sin that can harm not only us, but those around us.
But there is good news! Christ has defeated the devil, He has overcome sin in us through His sacrifice, and He will ultimately return again to claim His final victory. Our God is in complete control of the universe. He sees the bigger picture, and He is working to redeem all things for His purposes. God is so powerful that He can give us the freedom to choose and still be victorious in the end.
In the face of great evil, we can find solace in Christ. In the midst of what we do not understand, we can rejoice that the King of kings will cast the enemy down once and for all. Take some time today to worship Christ for giving you salvation from sin and death. Ask God to direct you in prayer for the nation and the world. Pray that the lost would choose Christ in the face of suffering and tragedy.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in the midst of the evil of this world and the trials I will go through, I know that Your victory is far more powerful. Thank You for purchasing this victory for me on the cross. Evil cannot overcome You! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord" (Proverbs 21:30).
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