Where's God When You Need Him?

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The Universal Question of Evil

Many people grapple with a fundamental question about God: If He is all-powerful, why does He allow evil and suffering to exist? This question often surfaces when we witness violence, corruption, and injustice in our world. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we may find ourselves crying out, "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not hear?" (Habakkuk 1:2)

God's Seeming Silence

When we pray without seeing immediate answers, we might wonder if God is even listening. Habakkuk had been praying about the evil in his land for some time, witnessing destruction, violence, and injustice prevail. The law was paralyzed, and justice was perverted (Habakkuk 1:3-4). Like many today, he struggled with seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffered.

As the psalmist wrote, "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped, for I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:2-3).

God's Hidden Work

Though it may appear God is inactive, He is always at work behind the scenes. When Habakkuk waited on the Lord, God revealed that He was orchestrating events on a scale far beyond what the prophet could imagine. "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told" (Habakkuk 1:5).

God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He answers every prayer with "yes," "no," or "wait." However, our prayers must align with His will: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us" (1 John 5:14-15).

God's Sovereign Plan

God's will and plans will be accomplished regardless of human understanding or timing. In Habakkuk's case, God was raising up the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment - not the answer Habakkuk expected or wanted. This demonstrates that God sometimes uses unlikely or even wicked instruments to accomplish His purposes, though He will ultimately hold all accountable.

"God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work" (Ecclesiastes 3:17).

The Call to Response

God's patience with evil is not indifference but mercy, giving time for repentance. As Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

The proper response to God's sovereignty over evil is:

Bringing our doubts and fears to God in honest prayer
Pursuing holiness while extending grace
Being faithful witnesses for Christ
Raising the next generation in godly truth
Immersing ourselves in Scripture, which is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness"

Though evil may appear to triumph temporarily, God's ultimate justice is certain. His love is demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, offering salvation to all who will turn from sin and receive Him as Lord.