We all find it difficult to understand why God allows wickedness. Christians often wonder: “Does God care?” Is God fair? Is God present? By following this strategy, you will learn the answers to all three questions in just three days of daily prayer and Bible study.
Evans Francis
Day 1
Scriptures: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalms 34:19, Psalms 91:15, 1 Peter 5:10
Does God care?
Throughout history, countless individuals have struggled with the issue of evil in the world and have been tormented by the same questions. “If God is all-powerful, why does He permit evil and suffering? Does God care about us? Does He not take notice of all the problems on Earth? You are not alone if you have ever posed queries along these lines. Everybody has.
Does God care? He does, is the correct response. He sent Christ to die for us while we were still sinners as the greatest sacrifice to demonstrate His immense love for us.
In addition, Jesus informs us in Matthew 10:29–31 that we are more important to God than a group of sparrows. When you pray but do not immediately receive a response from God, it does not imply that He does not care about you. If God does not instantly answer your prayers, He has something greater in mind. Second, what you ask for might not be in your best interests. You could end yourself in hell due to it, leading you to sin.
When we are in crisis, and God does not immediately deliver us, this is another factor that can lead us to believe that He does not care. God did not, however, guarantee us quick relief. Jesus warns us in John 16:33 that we shall face many difficulties and sufferings while we are on Earth. However, be encouraged because I have defeated the world. You see, God might not operate when you want Him to, but He will undoubtedly work when He wants to. When we witness the evil triumph over the righteous, this is another reason why we may assume that God is unconcerned. You might be perplexed why those without regard for God and His rules seem to flourish and advance in life. While striving to serve God, you sense that you are lagging. But Peter advises us to submit to God’s strong power, and He will exalt us when appropriate. He advises us to turn our concerns and worries over to God because He is our provider.
For four hundred years, the Israelites in Goshen, under Pharaoh’s rule, may have had the same thinking. Does God care about what we experience? Can He possibly be blind to the anguish we endure? Can’t He hear our cries? I want to reassure you, my brother and sister, that just as God delivered the people of Israel, He will do the same for you when the time is right.
Day 2
Scriptures: Romans 9:14, 1 John 1:5, Romans 8:28
Is God Fair?
It seems like God hasn’t been fair to me when I consider my life. I spent almost all of my youth and adolescence in hospitals. I underwent seven surgeries and more than a thousand injections following a car accident. I used to think I was cursed because I was in so much agony. However, I feel fortunate when I look at myself today. I believe God allowed those hardships to grow me and prepare me for His magnificent uses of me.
We have had times when we thought God wasn’t being fair to us. We can never expect society to treat us fairly while living on this sin-ridden planet. We witness affluent people defrauding the poor and others taking advantage of us.
Fairness is seen by most as receiving what is due to one. But consider this: if God were fair, we would all be spending eternity in hell making atonement for our misdeeds, as this is what we rightfully deserve. However, God did not give us what was due to us. He sent Jesus Christ to the cross to suffer the penalty due to us. All we need to do to be saved and given an eternal home in heaven is to believe in Christ.
Reflect on your life and ponder whether you deserve all the blessings God has given you. No one will ever match His justice. In everything, he is kind, loving, merciful, and just. We should love Him as He loves us because He is our Father. He uses everything for our benefit as part of His well-thought-out plan. God is completely impartial and never exhibits favoritism. He treats every one of His creations equally. In Acts 10:34 NLT, Peter states, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.” He accepts people who respect him and act morally in every country. You may have encountered a circumstance that made you wonder if God was being fair. But believe me when I say this: God is, and His plans are flawless. He is and always acts in our best interests; hence He never commits a wrong.
Day 3
Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:13, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 3:1, Psalms 86:15, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 46:10, Mark 9:24
Is God There?
We often have trouble answering the question, “Is God there?” This question is the same as doubting Him. Every Christian will experience doubts about God. We even question God’s love for us and our salvation. Has He a strategy for us? Some of you could add other locations where you have similar doubts. Consider the apostle who served Jesus and was known as “doubting Thomas.” Thomas first had his doubts about the resurrection. However, after His resurrection, Jesus did not correct him but instead dispelled his doubts by allowing him to stick his fingers into the pierced holes in His side, hands, and feet.
Due to their oppressors, Gideon had doubts that God could use him to alter the trajectory of Israel’s history. He even put God to the test twice, demanding that He manifest supernatural signs to prove His existence. God showed Gideon that He can be trusted by truly granting Gideon’s prayers. Abraham and Sarah also questioned God’s ability to bless them with a son at such an advanced age. Sarah chuckled at the idea! Therefore, remember that “Christ died for you” when you question, “Is God there?” If God was willing to offer His Son as a sacrifice for you, there is nothing He won’t do for you!
Secondly, you should be aware that He loved you while you were still dead in sin. God created a method for sinners to spend eternity with Him by atoning for their sins with His blood out of His perfect and holy love.
Thirdly, recognize Him as your heavenly father. Be reassured that He is in control of all situations when we experience life’s storms and that you can put your trust in His love and provision regardless of the situation.
Fourthly, know that He cares about you. Our own shame causes us to have so many doubts. We enable satan’s lies to overpower the truth because of our wickedness. You are still eligible for God’s love and faithfulness even if you are having a poor day.
Fifthly, know that God has good plans for you. He has plans for your prosperity. This does not imply that you will have three homes and four vehicles. But He assures you that you will experience blessings in every way.
Sixth, be still and recognize His divine nature. Always keep in mind that the Lord is your God. He chooses you. He is very familiar with you. Each hair on your head has a unique number. Before you even utter it, he already knows the word. He knows your sitting, standing, arrival, and departure times.
And lastly, pray! We can utilize prayer as one of the most effective truths to dispel our doubts about God. When you are in a state of mind where you doubt His goodness and integrity, tell Him you are doubting. God desires your sincerity. Although God already knows what you are thinking and feeling, being honest with Him strengthens your faith and obedience. As we keep in mind these potent realities, I pray that we all become more firm in our faith and that the times when we have doubts about God become fewer.