We Have the Keys

One of the most common objections or arguments against Christianity is the issue of human suffering. The question is often asked, "If God is so good and loving, why does he allow suffering?" I believe a key to understanding this query lies in the idea that God is in charge but He is not in control. This may sound blasphemous to some ears but take a moment to ponder this illustration. Suppose a father has a son who turns 16 and gets his driver's license. The father comes to his son with the keys to his car and says, "Happy Birthday, son! I love you and am proud of you. Here are the keys to my car. Go out and have some fun with your friends." The dad is in charge of the car. It is still under his name. But as soon as he hands the keys to his son, the father is no longer in control of it. He must trust that his son will take good care of the vehicle.



God has given us the keys to the kingdom (cf. Matthew 16:19). He has entrusted the Church with the task of releasing the goodness of heaven and undoing the works of the enemy. When we rise up to embrace our authority and power through the Holy Spirit, we will not only do the things Jesus did but even greater acts. Therefore the real issue is not why God allows suffering but rather why the Church allows it. When we learn to walk in the supernatural power and love Jesus demonstrated, suffering will be remedied. Of course we acknowledge the principle of sowing and reaping, where our freedom of choice often produces negative consequences. But the world is waiting, literally groaning, for the sons and daughters of the King to rise up and take their rightful place as rulers of the kingdom so that they can lead people to walk in wisdom, humility, compassion, love, generosity, and righteousness. We have the keys to the kingdom. May we learn how to use them effectively and honorably because the world is hungry for salvation.

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19