"Why Does God Allow Evil, Pain, and Suffering?"

"God has the power to prevent suffering and calamity--so why does He allow it?" Dr. Charles Stanley offers a biblical answer to this age old question.

You don't want to miss his 6 minute video.

"Everywhere we look," says Stanley, "there are disasters, tragedies, trauma, misery, suffering, and loss. But what happens when adversity becomes close and personal?

"Sometimes adversity comes suddenly," he continued. "Life could be going on as normal when an accident or negative report from the doctor leaves us unexpectantly devastated. We may feel helpless and have no answer for why God would allow us to go through it."

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, the apostle Paul described the various forms of adversity he experienced while serving God: he was beaten and thrown into prison, whipped, stoned and left for dead. Ultimately, he had his head chopped off.

"Why would God allow Paul, the man who introduced the Roman world to Jesus Christ, to suffer like this and be killed?" asks Stanley.

"From a human perspective, Paul's sufferings may seem unfair, but God used his hardships and pain to accomplish His will.

"During his imprisonment in Rome, Paul wrote the books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. And his letter to the Philippians is filled with joy because Paul understood that through adversity God accomplishes His divine purposes and works for our ultimate good."

In other words, all the hell God allowed into Paul's life equipped him to write most of the New Testament (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) and lead countless multitudes into heaven. Paul will reap his reward for all eternity.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them" (Romans 8:28).

A wise man once said: "Are you going through a tough time? Take heart. The Lord is sovereign and He controls all adversity in our lives. That's why it's important to remember how much He loves us. If He allows us to go through pain, suffering, and loss, then He has something good He wants to accomplish in us." -- Dr. Charles Stanley

News:

• BBC News: Greece searches for the missing after deadly floods; flash floods kill 15.
• Israel News: Trump Middle East team begins draft of Israeli-Palestinian peace plan to solve decades-long conflict.
• DEBKAfile: Israel on high alert, deploys Iron Dome batteries against missile attack.