GOD'S WILL

In Small Group, we are talking about the Will of God this week.  Specifically we are speaking of our childish perception of the Will of God.  How many of us have had someone tell us some tragedy in our life is the Will of God?  How God must cringe when we mistakenly give Him all the credit for every bad thing that ever happens to us.  

Our book


devotes a chapter to "How does God work to achieve His will in this world?"
The author categorizes God's will into three groups-

The intentional-perfect will of God
The circumstantial, permissive will of God
The ultimate will and purpose of God

As I read through the chapter, it occurred to me I had experienced all three.  When my marriage ended, divorce was certainly not the will of God as clearly explained in The Word.  At the end of the day, due to "Circumstances", divorce was the only answer.  God permitted the end of my marriage, though it was not His perfect will.  Divorced or not--God will accomplish His ultimate will and purpose in my life.  He is an omnipotent God who will not be thwarted by man's roadblocks.   



When bad things happen, and if they have not happened to you yet--hold on--they will, God does not expect us to bow our heads and accept what happened as His Will.  Reciting the platitude "It's God Will," does nothing to take away the unbearable pain.  He does expect us to turn to Him and He WILL comfort us.  God has been the nearest when I have been the most defeated and in the worst pain.  God does not cause tragedy, illness, or bad things to happen--He ALLOWS it.  There is a HUGE difference.  If we expect to be allowed to exercise free will, free will can also bring tragic consequences.  I love the quote above, when bad things happen the important question is how will we respond.  Will we blame God or turn to God? 

I cling to the hope and firm belief that God can use all things for His glory and our growth.  The expected growth as explained in the scriptures which leads us nearer to the sanctification through the work of the Spirit.  We are set aside for His purpose and God's ultimate will and purpose for us will be achieved.  My daily prayer is for God's perfect will for me to be revealed and to walk the path He has set out for me.  

May God's will be accomplished in each and every one of us, and when we are affected by circumstances of the world, may we recognize it for what it is--God's permissive will.  God wants us to live according to His promise~

And we know that for those who love God,
all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

2 comments

  1. Beautifully said, Lulu! I've been through the grinder of life many times through the years, and turning to God for comfort and peace is the only thing that works. He is working everything for good for those who love Him.
    Blessings to you!

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    Replies
    1. That grinder is TOUGH! BUT GOD!
      Blessings, Martha!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!