We believe that God is in sovereign control of everything, and that everything that happens in the world is controlled by Him. Because we believe and teach this, we often become nervous when people ask us “If God is all powerful, why would God permit sin?” In answering this we need to begin with Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” The first thing we need to understand is that God is not accountable to us, as to what He permitted. Because He is God, and our creator, He can do what He wants, and how He wants. Having said this, I believe that we have some clues in the Word of God that can help us understand His purposes. Sin allows us to see and understand much about God that we would never know or appreciate without its entrance into history. God uses sin as a tool to help us see Him in a different light, and from a unique perspective. Remember, many tools are useful when used correctly, but when used incorrectly, they can be a weapon of destruction. For example, the same hammer that is used to build a house, can be used to tear it down. It is all depended on the intent of the user. Even sin can be a tool to teach us things about God, or a tool that can destroy our understanding of God. This is not an excuse to sin, but an understanding of “Why God may have permitted sin in the world.” We need to rest in God’s wisdom, and use our struggle with Sin to direct our focus on the Lord.