November 12, 2020 – Click here to listen
We have all seen evil unrighteous people triumph over good. When it happens, people question God and it even leads some to lose their faith. I read a sermon about this one time and the writer said,
“We all wrestle with the difficult age-old questions, “Why do the wicked prosper?” and ‘Why do the righteous suffer?’ It is especially hard when you have done right and you get penalized, while the guy who did wrong got ahead. You were praying and counting on God’s promises, but things did not turn out the way you had expected. It seems as if God did not even hear your prayers. But the guy who scoffs at God is doing great. You begin to wonder, “Why follow God when all I get is trials? If there is a God of justice in heaven, why doesn’t He do something about all the injustice in the world? Is it worth it to follow the Lord?”
The Bible is clear that on a temporary basis, indeed sometimes evil will get the upper hand for a while, but He warns not to be overcome by it. Romans 12:21 – Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. And in Rev. 3:21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Those of little faith seem to forget that God is always with us during times of tremendous loss and misery. Isaiah 41:10 tells us: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. When burdened in such a manner call out to Him and ask Him to help you focus on the future and in doing what is right in His eyes and don’t worry about the status of those who “seem” to prosper and get away with the evil they are engaging in.
When enduring this phenomenon, we tend to focus on the moment, and not the glorious triumph of the Lord when He makes all things right. It is the essence of spiritual warfare which is constantly being fought in our minds. Entertain Satan and he will take up residence and convince you that you’re a loser for following Christ which will always require sacrifice. Oust him in the name of Jesus and tell him his time is coming and you prefer your future to his and all those foolhardy people that follow him and his temporary rewards.
Finally, it is above our pay grade to understand why God allows good people to suffer at the hands of evil persons. Don’t even attempt it. Faith is about trust. Trust in your God and he will refresh you right down to your bones!
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.