The second defense is that of “the Greater Good” defense. As I presented at the beginning of this chapter and throughout the previous defense, evil serves a purpose; whether, we fully comprehend it or not. Augustine addressed it in this manner,
For the Almighty God, who, as even the heathen acknowledge, has supreme power over all things, being Himself supremely good, would never permit the existence of anything evil among His works, if He were not so omnipotent and good that He can bring good even out of evil”[1] (Augustine 1961)
Was All the Pain for My Greater Good?
That has been precisely the case in my own life. Of a certainty, I would not fully know the joy, hope, and love which I experience now; had it not been for the trials I have faced in this journey. That I can confirm as the truth in the life of Pete and Mom. Every step of the way, God drew each of us nearer to Him. Pete was drawn into repentance unto salvation. Mom found faith, hope, and happiness now in Him. I found the sweetness of knowing His grace.
Through it all, God provided me with glimpses of His Glory; while, at the same time transforming my heart to love Him more. He shifted away the chaff, revealed the darkness and evil of my own selfish heart, and steadily worked at transforming me into the likeness of Christ. Though He has a lot more work to do in me, I realize how precious a thought it is that one day I will stand before Him with a heart like that of my Savior.
No one presents this truth with more clarity than does Joni Eareckson Tada. I would encourage you to go to YouTube and listen to any of her tapes. Particularly, I recommend her True Woman ’14 Conference. In it she refers to suffering as God’s lemon juice being squeezed over our hearts; transforming us. Also, she says; “there is no trial too great to face in order to know Jesus.”
Or as Paul wrote:
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:8).
God has a purpose and a plan which is for our good. Evil exists in this world; yet, without it would I really know the ecstasy of knowing Jesus. Only God can take a broken life, filled with wrong choices and still make it one filled with hope, love and joy.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
For more information regarding suffering see:
How Can Suffering Teach Obedience Resulting in True Joy?
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
ANOTHER Book Available
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
[1] Augustine, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love, trans. J.F. Shaw, (Chicago: Henry Reguery, 1961), 11