Divine Providence By Carson
Divine
Providence is the term used to illustrate God’s intervention in the universe.
Many people who don’t believe in God’s Providence (His supplication for us) ask
questions like: If God is Holy, why is there evil? Or, if God is good, why is
there suffering? Today, I will answer some of those questions, such as why
there's evil and suffering in the world, and why the wicked seem to prosper on
earth. It’s important to know these things so you can be ready to inform people
when they ask.
Why did God create evil? The answer to this often brought up
question is, He didn’t. God has only created good, and evil is God’s absence.
So, when we block God out of our lives, evil grows within us, and bad things
happen because we did not accept God. God doesn’t will evil, but He permits it
because it is our choice, as he has given us free will. We also need to
remember that bad things can happen to good people. This is God’s way of
testing us and our faith.
If God is good, why is there suffering in the world? Many times,
it is the world’s evil that causes suffering. Because evil has grown, suffering
grows too. Sometimes, God sends suffering as a test of our faith, or
chastisement for our sin. We know that the Bible says “Whoever spares the rod hates the child, but whoever loves will apply
discipline.” God also brings us up with discipline to strengthen us.
Why does evil seem to prevail on earth? God
allows evil because he doesn’t want to twist our arms to make us follow Him. He
wants us to turn from our bad ways ourselves, with his grace. We need to choose
not to create anymore evil in the world, and by doing this, put an end to the
rest of the evil in the world. Being righteous is very hard on earth, but it
will pay off in eternity. While evil is very easy to do on earth, it won’t make
us happy here, and it definitely won’t make us happy in hell.
As we suffer in this world, how should we act?
Our attitude on earth while suffering should be repentant and hopeful;
repentant, for our sins, and hopeful that we will get through and make it to
heaven, though it will be hard now. 1 Peter 4:13 says: “Beloved, do not be
surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange
were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the
sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice
exultantly.”
The biggest thing we know about Divine
Providence, and that has been proved everyday all around you, is that God
provides and cares for us, always. We can trust that any suffering we go
through now, won’t compare at all to the glory of eternal life. We just have to cooperate
with God’s will.
Sources:
The Bible. New American Bible, Washington D.C.: Thomas
Nelson, Inc., 1987.
Laux, Fr. John, M.A., Chief Truths of the
Faith. North Carolina: TAN books, 1990.
