Evil and Suffering in Life
Is God in Control?
by Lawrence Manu

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I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Evil and suffering are real, widespread, and severe in this world—sickness, loss, poverty, rejection, injustice, and many more. No person, ethnic group, or nation is exempt from them. Most likely, you may have gone through hardships one time or another. These ills leave many hurting, discouraged, hopeless, and wondering if there is meaning and purpose to this life. Also, many ask if there is a God who cares or is in control of the universe. The author discusses evil and suffering from a biblical position, examining several viewpoints as well as biblical reasons and solutions for suffering. In his view, we suffer mainly because we live in a fallen world of moral evil and physical danger—a world marred by sin and evil forces. Afflictions may come from natural disasters, epidemics, social injustices, evil and reckless choices, evil forces, and many more. However, we are reassured that God is always in control, our constant help, able to turn adversity around for our good, and will end pain and suffering someday for all who trust and follow Him. In Him alone do we find lasting strength and healing for the troubles of this life and hope for eternity of bliss. The book is worth reading because it: • informs biblically and helps us make a sense of life’s troubles • brings meaning, purpose, and direction to life • offers hope, comfort, and encouragement to the afflicted • outlines biblical ways for dealing with adversity; • reassures us that God is in charge, our help, and can bring some good out of our troubles • invites us to prepare for an eternity of perfect happiness through faith in Jesus. The book is clear and to the point, engaging, eye-opening, and uplifting. As you read it, may you hear and see the living God who rules over all, finding in Him peace and strength for this life and hope for eternity of perfect happiness through faith in Jesus—an eternity free of evil, pain, and suffering.

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Lawrence Manu was born in Ghana, the fifth of ten siblings. He grew up and had his elementary education in a rural community. The demands and deprivations of village life instilled the values of hard work, endurance, self-restraint, and contentment in him at an early age. Lawrence trained as elementary school teacher and taught in public schools for years before going to the University of Ghana, Legon, where he graduated with an Honors B.A. in political science and sociology in 1985 and served as a teaching assistant. He then moved to Canada in 1987 for graduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he obtained an M.A. in political science and M.Ed, and also served as a teaching assistant. It was after this, when life's troubles arose, that Lawrence began to have a personal relationship with God. He sought and served the Lord diligently and was called to full-time ministry with the Church of Pentecost Canada in 2004, where he pastored until his retirement in 2019. Lawrence now lives in Georgetown, Ontario, with his wife, Lydia Mensah, married for over forty years. They have three grown children—Vera, Lawrence Jr., and Cecilia—and three grandchildren—Avah, Ariel, and Amaya. Lawrence enjoys spending time with his family, studying, teaching, praying, charity, and soccer.

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Lawrence Manu