I have had many conversations about our human will. It amazes me the way God keeps getting a bum rap because of the choices we make (Proverbs 19:3). Have you ever decided to do something that didn’t turn out the way you expected and you said, “Well it was God’s will for this to happen”? Have you ever made a bad decision but to recuperate and not have to take the blame, you said, “Well, this was God’s desire or else it wouldn’t have happened this way”? Come on, we’ve all done this at one time or another.
Today I challenge you to take responsibility for your decisions. God is not to blame!
Did you know that God has given us the power of choice. We are able to choose our own words, which is why the Bible says--watch what you say because you will be held accountable for every idle word that comes out of your mouth (Matthew 12:36-37). We choose our own thoughts and make decisions for our own actions and we should take full responsibility for those actions. If we are prone to evil thoughts and desires…that is a reflection of what’s in our hearts, while on the other hand, if we are prone to living holy that also flows from our hearts.
Are you aware of the fact that God does not force us to act against our own will? Surprised? Now let me explain…. God may use outward circumstance to guide us toward a certain decision but he will not coerce us into thoughts, words or actions. God may bring certain things into play that may help us to make one decision over another, but the choice is still ours.
So let me make this really clear….You make your own decisions and these decisions are influenced by the closeness or distance of your relationship with the Lord. Man’s will is not separate from his heart. We make decisions based on our heart condition, which forms our character. We make decisions, whether good or bad, and God works with it.
Let’s say that you decided to rob a bank (which I hope you wouldn’t do if you’re a Christian because it would give God a bad name). You get caught and go to court for your trial. Well surely you won’t try to say that….Well this is what God wanted for my life or HE would have kept me out of jail….NO NO NO! You decided to rob the bank. your free will, and now it’s time to face the consequences of your decision--prison time. Don’t think God was caught off guard by this; HE knew your beginning from your end and has already factored in your “all things work together” part. If you have been called by God to be saved, HE will use even jail time to mold you and shape you, mind you…you could have done your time outside of prison walls had you made a better choice.
Now, you don't have to be a criminal for this to apply to you...you just have to be human! Anytime we make a decision there are consequences. Just remember that God is bigger than the consequences and HE will still shape you and make you into who HE has intended you to be….Hello….God is everywhere, even in prisons….if that is where a bad decision should land you. This should be reassuring news for those of you who have family and friends that may be in prison and know that God does not need clearance to get in and work on them.
Each of us should be encouraged that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, God can and will work. You may have made the decision to marry someone that you shouldn't have….God can work! You may have left a job that you shouldn’t have left…God can work! Maybe you made some bad financial decisions…God can work!
"All of our choices and decisions are within the larger circle of God's sovereign will" Dr. Robert Cook
Michelle Brown is the founder of He Reigns Ministries, Bible Teacher, Counselor, Inspirational Writer and Speaker. Visit her website: www.hereignsministries.org
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