Is there good to be taken from the fact that evil is present? We may quickly say no, there is no good to be taken from this. In a finality of all things, this is true, evil is never good and is to be defeated.
Let us try and look at this a different way though. If you struggle and succeed, is God glorified?
2 Corinthians 1:3 - 6
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
If we succeed in trials, God is glorified. We cannot escape sin in this world, but we are not a slave to it if we are redeemed.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So sin and evil does not glorify God, but when we overcome evil in his name, he is glorified.
Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
So why is sin present, or why does it reign? Two reasons for sin are those in open rebellion against God and his Word, and to prevent that which is good.
Romans 7:21
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
The point I am getting to is this. If you have your heart right with God, and you are not in an open state of rebellion against his Word, if you have no cause with or against your brother and sisters in Christ, then evil is present to prevent the good that you can and would do.
Rejoice and rededicate your efforts on the goal ahead.
Matthew 26:38 - 44
Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
At Jesus's most trying time evil was present almost to the point of more than he could bare. Christ instead of giving in to sin, prayed the more earnestly three times. We know that Jesus was mocked and tortured after this, but the resurrection three days later was the greatest moment for the life of man and for his chance at everlasting life.
If you are facing a lot of evil, be of good courage, because when you overcome through and by God, a big victory is just around the corner.
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