I don't know of any way to give a good answer to this question in such a small space. But I believe that God is sovereign, and that He unfailingly accomplishes His purposes (Ephesians 1:10). Satan and humans have effectual choice that inflicts harm, yet God works everything together for the good of his children (Romans 8:28). Six chapters in If God is Good spell out in detail my positions:
In this eight and a half minute video, Randy Alcorn answers the question, "What perspective does the Bible give us during this tough economic time?"
Randy's 45-minute message during a Friday seminar at the 2010 Desiring God Conference, which had the theme "Think: The Life of the Mind & the Love of God."
Randy Alcorn shares about divine appointments and giving away books.
In this six-minute clip, Randy talks about how God’s promises—including Romans 8:28—rest upon His character and attributes, including His being all-knowing and all-powerful.
In this clip, part 2 of his interview with Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, Randy Alcorn talks about how God uses evil for good.
I think it has some valid aspects to it, but I also think it breaks down. (Which doesn't mean it's a bad analogy, just a limited one. An analogy that is limited can still illustrate a valid point.)
God is not the author of evil. Neither, however, is He ever the victim of evil. His hands are never tied by evil. He's never painted into a corner by evil. When Jesus went to the cross He didn't fall into Satan's trap—Satan fell into His. Wills were being exercised, but men weren't calling the shots—God was.
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