#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” — Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Have you ever felt confused or frustrated by the existence of evil in the world? It’s a common struggle that can make us question God’s power and goodness. But let’s dive deeper into what the Bible says about God’s omnipotence and His ultimate plan.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
The Bible is clear that God is all-powerful. As Jeremiah 32:17 declares, “Nothing is too hard for you.” This sentiment is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming God’s abundant strength and incomparably great power (Psalm 147:5; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Ephesians 1:19-21).
Christian philosopher William Lane Craig suggests that the world as it exists now may not be the best possible world, but it is the best way to reach the best possible world. In his words, “God’s goal is not to create a world devoid of evil but to create a world in which free creatures, through their free choices, can come to know and love Him.” This perspective helps us understand that God’s plan involves a future where those who freely choose to follow Christ will be in heaven, enjoying eternal life with Him.
Theologian Norman Geisler points out that God’s timing is not our timing. As 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” God’s delay in eliminating evil does not indicate a lack of power but rather His patience and desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Geisler notes, “God’s ultimate victory over evil is assured, even if it doesn’t happen on our timeline.”
Encouragement & Application:
When you face doubts about God’s power because of the evil you see, remember that God’s plan is bigger than our understanding. Trust that He is working all things for good, even if we can’t see it yet. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you trust His timing and His power. Engage with a community of believers who can support you in your faith journey and help you see God’s goodness in the midst of life’s challenges.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Jeremiah 32:17 reassure you about God’s power in the face of evil?
- What steps can you take to trust in God’s timing and His ultimate plan?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your great power and Your perfect plan. Help us to trust You, even when we don’t understand why evil exists. Give us the patience to wait on Your timing and the faith to believe that You are working all things for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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