If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present — why is there so much evil, chaos, and suffering in our world? It’s a question that every honest believer wrestles with at some point. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this struggle. Instead, it offers us a framework of hope, showing that God has a purpose even in the midst of pain.
1. Free Will and the Fall
In Genesis 2–3, we see that God gave humanity the freedom to choose obedience or rebellion. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, sin entered the world. Evil wasn’t created by God, but it became possible because He gave us free will. Love, faith, and obedience only have meaning when freely chosen.
2. God’s Sovereignty Over Evil
Even when people act with evil intent, God can turn it to serve His greater purposes. Joseph, betrayed by his brothers, told them in Genesis 50:20:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Evil never has the final word — God’s plan does.
3. Suffering Produces Growth
Paul reminds us in Romans 5:3–4:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
Suffering is not wasted. It stretches us, refines us, and strengthens our faith.
4. God’s Patience and Salvation
Sometimes we ask why God doesn’t simply end evil right now. Peter explains in 2 Peter 3:9 that God’s delay is an act of mercy:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
God allows time so that more people can turn to Him.
5. Christ’s Suffering Answers Our Pain
The cross is God’s ultimate response to evil and suffering. Jesus stepped into our broken world and suffered with us and for us. Hebrews 4:15 says:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
God doesn’t watch from a distance — He entered into our pain to redeem it.
6. The Final Victory
The Bible assures us that suffering and evil are not permanent. In Revelation 21:4 we are given a glimpse of the end of the story:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.”
Evil has an expiration date. God will restore all things and make everything new.
Conclusion: Hope in the Midst of Chaos
So what does God “gain” from allowing evil? From a biblical perspective, it’s not about gain in the human sense. It’s about giving space for genuine love and faith, shaping us through trials, showing mercy to those who have not yet turned to Him, and ultimately revealing His justice and glory in Christ.
In the meantime, we cling to the promise that the darkness we see around us is temporary. God has already won the victory through Jesus — and one day, evil and suffering will be no more.
Thrive on Less 
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