Does God bring evil into our lives? Or does He just allow it?

Some Christians quickly answer, “God only allows such things to afflict us.”  But those who study the Word of God know that’s not true.  

Begin by remembering that God is not capable of doing anything sinful — that is, He cannot do anything contrary to His attributes. Yet, He can and does use man’s sins for His good purposes and His perfect plan.  Furthermore, He can and does bring things about that we might consider being troubles or bad things, even evil.  But we must remember they are always for His good purposes, His perfect plan, and His glory in conforming us to Jesus.  

His Will for Us

We must understand that God cares more about our spiritual growth than our creature comfort.  He has given us everything we truly need, and He will continue to meet our needs.  But that doesn’t mean He will give us everything we want.

In this world, we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).  We will experience trials and sorrow.  We won’t always be happy. But we should understand that God cares most about our holiness.  Happiness is temporal and circumstantial.  It is experienced when things go according to our desires, and life is easy and comfortable.  it can quickly fade.  On the other hand, growing in holiness is finding peace and contentment in any circumstance. It brings true rest and is eternal.

So Why Do Bad Things Happen to God’s People

The questions are often asked,  “If God is good, why is this trouble happening to me?  If God loves me, why doesn’t He do something about my troubles or the evil afflicting me?”  

Sadly some have erroneously concluded, “Since God isn’t doing something, either He is not good, or He is not in control.” Neither are true.

The Book of Job

The book of Job most beautifully reveals that God is always good and always in control. He ordains or He allows things to happen, according to His perfect purpose and with divine love to grow us in a deeper relationship with Him.  

Watch this short video by Pastor Tullian Tchividjian from The Sanctuary, Jupiter, FL.  It addresses Job 1:21,  “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away,” and Job 42:11, “… all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him.”

You can watch more of Pastor Tullian’s short teachings on the Book of Job here:  The Book of Job – Short Video Clips. 

Watch Tullian’s entire message here.

Click here to get equipped with encouraging and empowering Biblical truth and wisdom from Reasons for Hope*Jesus.

Video clips from Pastor Tullian Tchividjian, The Sanctuary Jupiter, FL

Because It Is Finished…
Psalm 19, Ps 51,  Psalm 139, Psalm 139, Psalm 139, Psalm 62  
Teachings from The Book of Job
***Check out all of our video clips from Pastor Tullian***

About Tullian Tchividjian

Tullian is the pastor at The Sanctuary church in Jupiter, Florida. He is the grandson of the late evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Tullian pastored two churches in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, before planting The Sanctuary in Jupiter.  The Sanctuary is a non-denominational church proclaiming the boundless love of Jesus to a broken world.  Because of what Jesus has accomplished for us, The Sanctuary is a place to find love and laughter, hope and healing, acceptance and forgiveness, and mercy and help. Watch more of Pastor Tullian's messages on The Sanctuary's YouTube.channel.  Connect with the church on Facebook or online. Find Tulllian's books on Amazon.