People often ask why God allows human suffering and wickedness. That question really involves the rightfulness of God's sovereignty over his creation. Regarding the faithful man Job, the Devil said to God:

 

     "A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face." -Job 2:4, 5

 

     By allowing wicked people to continue to live, God makes it possible for us to share in proving the Devil wrong by being faithful to God despite unfavorable and trying circumstances. God's tolerance of evil and suffering also provides an opportunity for individuals to abandon a wrong course and willingly subject themselves to God's righteous standards.

 

     "As surely as I live," declares the Sovereign LORD, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live." -Ezekiel 33:11

 

     By refraining from destroying the wicked immediately, God allows time for those who might become inclined to show their love for him. The Bible assures us that the time will come when wickedness no longer exists. Though it may be difficult to see, God's tolerance serves a purpose. Understanding that purpose draws us closer to God and helps us to know the depths of God's love and wisdom.

     The purpose of God's toleration of wickedness is well illustrated in the book of Exodus. Moses and Aaron petitioned Pharaoh for the release of the Israelites. If Pharaoh had acted wisely, history might have been changed. But God's purpose in tolerating Pharaoh's wickedness was revealed:

 

     "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." -Exodus 9:16

 

     Pharaoh was shown an impressive display of God's power in the Ten Plagues, the Pillar of Fire, and the parting of the Red Sea. For centuries afterwards, the nations of that time were still talking about it. Through the writers of those times we have the Scriptures, still declaring God's works throughout the earth. In essence, God's response to Pharaoh's wickedness was to create the Bible, to proclaim his glory for the deliverance of people everywhere.