The Problem of Evil, Pain and Suffering
No one can deny the existence of evil, pain and suffering. We have all been victims of evil in varying degrees. Every living person has dealt with emotional and physical pain of some sort. We have all suffered, some more than others. The human existence understands evil, pain and suffering.
With the arrival of the global pandemic to our shores, we will collectively and individually suffer. Many will experience pain and even death. We are isolated. We are scared.
Our President says we are fighting a war against an unseen enemy. This is more profound than many know. Ephesians 6:12 tell us, “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.” This verse is followed by the command (not recommendation) to take up the full armor of God.
Be ready Christians to fight the unseen battle, because it is not only an unseen virus, but an unseen enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. His wish is for us to be fearful, lonely and incapacitated. His aim is to separate us from the love of God. Satan cannot do this without our cooperation. I implore you to use the one offensive weapon that God has given us which is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and fight the good fight. Read your Bible and believe it. Pray like you’ve never prayed before. Use this isolation to connect to your Lord and Savior. Live in confidence, not in fear.
If you are like me, much of my interaction with others besides my family has been on social media as of late. It doesn’t take more than a scroll to experience the fear of others. Many are lashing out at the government, businesses, healthcare officials and other people. Remember that we are told in Romans 13:1-7 to respect the authorities and to understand that God has placed them there for our good and not for evil. That doesn’t mean that they don’t make mistakes or that there aren’t evil leaders in the world, but that they are in these positions by the ordinance of God to suit his purposes. Pray for our leaders to be wise and discerning, and to do the right thing.
Pray for your unbelieving friends. Remember that they do not experience the comfort that comes from knowing Christ. They do not have confidence that all things will work together for good. Really imagine what it would be like going through this crisis without Jesus, without the comfort and peace that the Holy Spirit provides. Would you want to be there? Be thankful and share Jesus so that others can have that peace — especially now.
Finally, do not fear:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7