Is There a God?/WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

PEACE OF MIND

For example, some find it difficult to believe in God because of the suffering they see worldwide.  They ask, 'Why would an  all-powerful Creator permit suffering and evil? 

The Bible's comforting answer is that God never intended for humans to suffer.  At the time of man's creation, human life was free from suffering. Even death was not part of God's original purpose for mankind.  (Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17) Is this hard to believe? A fantasy? No. If there is an all -powerful Creator and if love is indeed the foremost quality, then this is exactly the kind of life that we would expect him to purpose for humans to have. 

What brought about mankind's current situation?  The Bible explains that God created humans  with the ability to exercise free will. We are not robots, forced to obey, God.  The first human couple, from whom all others  have descended, chose to reject God's guidance. Instead, they selfishly pursued their own will.  (Genesis 3:1-6, 22-24)  We now experience the painful results.

We can gain peace of mind from knowing that human suffering is not part of God's purpose.  But, naturally, we also want relief.  We need hope for the future. 

Next time:Is There a God?/WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? - HOPE

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015