A reader recently wrote and asked a question that many of us ask at one time or another: "If there is a God, and if He is a good and loving God, why does He allow sin and suffering?"
A simple answer is that God gave Adam and Eve, as He does each of us, the opportunity and freedom to make choices and live with the consequences. However, there was a tremendous liability that came with their choice and freedom that continues to affect us. Their decision to disobey God and take what was not theirs has resulted in the sin and suffering that grips our world today. We live with the consequences of their choice,
But it seems that we all make decisions that are not in keeping with what is in our best interests. Consider the history of Israel. The psalmist wrote, "My people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts."
Without choice there could be no love or liberty, grace or goodness, caring or compassion. We are free to choose what is right and righteous or what is destructive and devastating. This is true of individuals and nations alike. We continue to have sin and suffering because of wrong choices and their never-ending consequences,
And why do we make wrong choices? Again our psalmist has the answer: "If my people would but listen to me...I would subdue their enemies."
We do not have to make wrong choices, but, we make wrong choices because we do not listen to the Word of God and follow His directions.
Prayer: We pray, Father, that we will allow Your Word to speak to our hearts and guide our decisions. Then the consequences will bring Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Scripture For Today: My people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts. Psalm 81:11-12
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