Craig Clouston

Enemy-Occupied Territory

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 4:4

Jennifer and Karen were having the age-old discussion: “How can a loving God let bad things happen to good people?”
“In war after war, innocent men, women, and children die senseless deaths. And for what?” Karen demanded. “Are you going to tell me that it’s God’s judgment for a nation’s disobedience?!”
“Karen, no matter what I say, it probably won’t change your belief of God turning a blind eye to injustice. I understand your frustration, and at one time shared your misconceptions about how God can say He loves us yet stand by and let people suffer. How do you rationalize cancer or AIDS?”
The softness in Jennifer’s voice did little to diffuse Karen’s anger. When her husband died of leukemia, Karen blamed God for not answering her prayers. She’d turned away from God and hadn't returned since Randy’s death.
“Karen, you mentioned wars and how innocent people die needless deaths. The truth is we were born into war. And we live in enemy-occupied territory. This is not the earth God created. That all changed when Adam ate the forbidden fruit. And until Jesus comes to judge the Earth, and all those in it, we will live under the enemy’s occupation.”

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It is inconceivable—apart from faith in God’s redemptive nature—that evil reigns on Earth. Yet, Adam had a choice: say no to temptation and retain dominion or eat the fruit and usher in a season of mankind possessing knowledge we were never meant to have. When that happened, sin, in the form of illness, lustful desire, and myriad forms of idolatry entered the heart of man, and death was required so we would not live forever in our sin.
Those who believe there should be no evil among us are living under a veil of deception. The enemy manipulates the hearts of those who will listen to his sordid lies.
Bad things do happen to good and bad alike. In this world, God does not promise we will not endure hardship and loss, but that while in enemy-occupied territory, He will provide shelter.

Prayer

“Lord, we pray for the removal of the veil from the minds of those who blame You for the evil in this world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”