How does one find out the “will of God”? And is there even such a thing?
Consciously or unconsciously we may believe that there is a perfect will of God (or fate) that has been predetermined for each person since his or her birth and our role in life is to discover and fulfil that destiny.
How does our free-will and decision-making impact our future? Do we have an opportunity to create and chose our future or is it predetermined for us?
For those whose who believe in God and His love for us it becomes immeasurably difficult to understand and accept “God’s will” when “bad things happen to good people“.
How can a God who is loving, all knowing, all powerful and ever present allow this to happen? Is this divine punishment for our sins?
Or maybe an experience to teach us a lesson? But what?
Many tough questions with a few good answers. The wisdom offered in Proverbs 16: 1 – 9 below might be a good starting point;
1 We can make our own plans,but the LORD gives the right answer.2 People may be pure in their own eyes,but the LORD examines their motives.3 Commit your actions to the LORD,and your plans will succeed.4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes,even the wicked for a day of disaster.5 The LORD detests the proud;they will surely be punished.6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.7 When people’s lives please the LORD,even their enemies are at peace with them.8 Better to have little, with godliness,than to be rich and dishonest.9 We can make our plans,but the LORD determines our steps.
This podcast by Timothy Keller on Your Plans, God’s Plan sums up this paradox of free will and predestination in a way that I can reconcile with my experience and understanding of the Bible. I hope this is helpful in pointing you in the right direction.
Exodus 