Christian Living

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Why do things happen the way they do? How can God allow these things?

Jesus told a parable that illustrates why.

A farmer, Jesus said, planted his seed. Along with the good crop, weeds grew up. When the farmer’s servants asked if they should destroy the weeds, the farmer replied, “No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. Allow both to grow together until the harvest...” (Matt. 13:29 & 30 NAS)

We, Jesus’ redeemed ones, His church, can go to Him like His disciples did and ask Him for an explanation. Jesus explained that He is the farmer, the field is the world, we are the good seed and the harvest is the end of the world. Unbelievers, those who deliberately and continually oppose God, are the weeds. And the enemy? “and the enemy who sowed them is the devil...”(Matt. 13:39)

Why do things happen the way they do? Because the enemy is at work trying to sow as many weeds among God’s good seed as he can in the time he has left. The enemy is not people or circumstances, the enemy is satan, whose very name is what he is. People and circumstances are only the tools that, through lies, deceit and temptation, the enemy uses to accomplish his purposes.

How can God allow these things? In His wisdom He says to allow both good and evil to grow together because in His mercy and compassion He “...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Both good and evil will “grow together” until the end of the world. But Jesus also said, “So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age” (Matt. 13:40). When God’s purposes are fulfilled, those who continue to oppose Him will be destroyed. And the enemy? “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone...” (Rev. 20:10).

So, what is the answer when we ask why? Because God is Who He is and His ways are beyond our understanding. As His children, we are to stand firm in our “knowledge of the truth” which will defeat the purposes of the enemy and allow us to be victorious in the battles and skirmishes we will encounter throughout life.

God has already won the war.

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