When King David fled from Absalom, Shimei, son of Gera, a Benjamite and member of Saul’s household, shouted curses at David. Abishai, Joab’s brother, offered to kill Shimei for cursing David. However, instead of allowing Abishai to kill Shimei, David had a profoundly different perspective.

But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?'”

2 Samuel 16:10 (NIV)

People divide the events that happen in this life into two categories. Good and bad. All of the good things are those that please us, and the bad things don’t. As Christians, we are more prone to saying all the good things come from God, which they do, while every “bad” thing comes from the devil. James 1:17 reminds us where every good thing comes from.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 (NIV)

Yet, Isaiah gives us insight into where everything comes from.

I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Isaiah 45:7 (NIV)

The conflict comes because we consider the “bad” things “evil” and the “good” things, well, good.

However, reading the Bible reveals that God doesn’t just “allow” negative things to happen; he encourages them when they suit his plan. Consider Job. It wasn’t Satan’s idea to try Job. It was God’s.

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Job 1:8 (NIV)

Consider the story of Joseph and his brothers. What did Joseph tell them after their father, Jacob, died?

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

Had Joseph been less of a God-fearing man, he would have blamed the devil for what happened to him. After all, who can say that being sold into slavery by their family and unjustly thrown into prison were “good” things? Yet, Genesis 50:20 reminds us that God caused all of that to happen to Joseph to save lives!

In 2 Samuel 16:10, we see that David understands God’s sovereignty.

What we must remember is that God created the earth and all that is in it. God created this universe, and all that is in it. When God created this existence, he did so with a beginning and an end. Everything that happens in this existence happens because God ordained it to happen. What did God say after he created everything?

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day (emphasis added).

Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

Genesis 1:31 doesn’t tell us that everything was very good. No, it tells us that everything that was made fit so well into God’s plan that he said it was “very good.” No, not everything feels good, and yes, horrible things happen in this world. While we don’t applaud those terrible things, we trust God knows what he’s doing. We trust that God has already worked it all out.

What does Romans 8:28 tell us?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Now, look back at Genesis 1:31. When I think about Romans 8:28, I also think about Genesis 1:31 because they fit together.

As Christians, the challenge we face is remembering that God has already worked it all out as we go through hard times. This is why it’s essential to not give the devil any credit for anything because doing so discounts the sovereignty of God.

Do you know the Lord? If you don’t know God, then know that God knows you and loves you. God doesn’t want anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance so they can spend eternity with him. If you want to know God and be saved from your sins, then pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I sincerely repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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