If God Is Good, Why Does He Allow Evil? | Beholding God’s Sovereignty in Suffering

If God is good and sovereign, what about evil?Scripture doesn’t dodge the question—it takes us by the hand to a prison cell in Egypt and a cross outside Jerusalem to teach us how to hope when life hurts.In this episode of the E4:12 Catalyst Podcast, Pastor Andrew Manwarren explores God’s sovereignty over evil through the stories of Joseph and Jesus. You’ll see that God is never the author of evil, yet He remains Lord over evil—so that even what is meant for harm cannot outmaneuver His holy purposes.📖 Key Scriptures:Genesis 50:20 — “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”Acts 2:22–23 — “This Jesus… delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.”1 John 1:5 — “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”Psalm 13 — A model for honest lament and trusting hope.🎧 In This Episode:Why God’s sovereignty doesn’t make Him the author of evil.How Joseph’s suffering became a story of redemption and forgiveness.The cross as history’s ultimate proof that evil never wins.How to lament biblically and find hope in God’s providence.Disciple-maker practices for walking with the hurting: Yet-God Journals, Lament Liturgies, Compassion-First Presence, and Cross Before Counsel.✝️ Gospel Moment:Evil is real—but so is Jesus. He entered our darkness, bore our sin, and rose victorious. The Lamb slain now reigns. Run to Him for cleansing, comfort, and courage.📱 This Week’s Challenge:Write one “Yet-God” Journal entry:“This hurts… Yet God is near, wise, and working for good.”Then pray Psalm 13 with a friend who’s walking through pain.⏩ Next Episode:“Sovereign in Salvation: Why ‘Salvation Belongs to the Lord’ Fuels Humility, Prayer, and Bold Evangelism.”