We live in a world that is under the reign of an usurper. Satan is characterized as being currently in charge (2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Ephesians 2:2; Hebrews 2:14,15). Now I do not want to contradict the fact that God is still in control (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:13) and will ultimately be victorious (Romans 8:37; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 2:15). But presently this earth is under the power of Satan and his minions. And God has allowed it to remain so up to this time to give an opportunity for more people to switch to His side before the end comes (2 Peter 3:9). I realize this does not answer any ultimate philosophical questions. But it does help keep things in perspective. This is not the way God wants the world to be. It is a world full of real evil, real suffering, and real troubles because there is really someone who is working to promote such things. God is also at work behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes and will finally bring about a new earth free from these things. But for right now we are in enemy occupied territory and should not construe it as reflecting God's ideal.
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