ALL AFFLICTIONS ARE PERMITTED BY GOD! (PART 1 OF 2)

13th JUNE 2023

“Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it”? Amos 3:6

This topic is recurring to give succour to the church, men and women of goodwill in these times of turbulence. The questions keep pouring in regarding why there is so much destruction of lives and properties, especially among God’s people.

My first response is that a sinful world inhabited by evil people often provides a combination of afflictions of all kinds. Nevertheless, God’s anointed people in the past also endured great pain and suffering despite their godliness, e.g., Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Naomi, Hannah, David, Abigail, Hezekiah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, the Thessalonians, and more. 

But why has God permitted evil to occur, especially to His people? The answer is found in the reason why God permitted evil and calamity to befall John the Baptist or the Apostles or Disciples of Jesus Christ? The answer could also be found in the reason why God permitted Job to have some painful experiences.

God does permit evil for various reasons. First, God permits a painful experience to occur where we have failed to do the right thing or flagrantly lives in disobedience to God’s laws and His principles, just like what happened to the Israelites on their way from Egypt to the promised land. Secondly, God permits calamity to occur to establish His plan and purpose; Which is when God decides to do His will.

The truth remains that if we do decide to be like David, Paul, or Jesus, then we must be prepared to be tested and tried like them! How God does that is left for Him (REF: Philippians 3:10).

For us to drive home the point, we must note that although God is not the author of evil, circumstances in us and around us have caused affliction to befall us in one way or the other. How do I convince you regarding this point? First, take note that God is the beginning of all things. (REF: Prov 16:4; Rev 4:11; Dan 4:35;) It, therefore, follows that there is no chance, accident or coincidence involved in our afflictions; God knew about them before they happen, and yet, He permitted them to occur.

Day by day, humanity struggles to attain perfection. Nations of the world also struggle to grow organically towards being a perfect State. Whether as a nation or as a human being, we shall continue to wrestle against the forces of evil to become perfect. In the process, we are bound to face challenges in life, either as a person or as a Nation. The fight against evil is eternal; For as long as we live, we will wrestle against evil, but the Lord God gives us the power to overcome evil. However, for God to remove evil, He applies His own terms and conditions.

One of the terms and conditions of God is righteousness. The scripture says that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

In this simple verse, we see an established rule, or standard, composed of two alternatives – Righteousness or sin. There are two causes, each with its own effect. Righteousness gives the condition to overcome and to win against evil. Until a nation learns to overcome sin and embrace righteousness, evil will continue to thrive, and anyone can be a victim, including the innocent ones. Therefore, it is important for us, as a people or a nation, to measure ourselves against the principles of righteousness, especially in these challenging times. We should ask ourselves which of these two causes we now embrace, whether righteousness or sin.

 PRAYERS

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, make us strong this day in all areas of our weaknesses as you fulfil your plans and purpose in our lives. We declare that you are a covenant-keeping God, and your mercy endures forever. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Job 33:12-13; Eph 1:11; Matt 10:29-31