3:223 – God Plans, We Choose Our Response

#faithbites #faithjourney choose

Setting

I often hear that it’s God’s plan for x,y,z. God made the storm. He made the virus. He will protect me. God is forcing you down a path. God is the great creator of the universe and has made plans for all our tomorrows. He has also given us free will. We as humans can go against his plans. What I have been seeing lately, and I know it’s been happening forever, is the weaponizing of God. 

We don’t need to wear a mask because God will protect me. I don’t have to save money, because God will provide for me. My place in heaven is secured by my faith in Christ, so I don’t need to follow his teachings. But to quote Luke Skywalker, “Amazing. Every Word of what you just said was wrong”. 

God provides for us through his people, but we still need to do our part. God gave us all talents to help each other including teaching, medicine, science, and the list goes on. Works, don’t get you to heaven, but faith does. Faith means believing and if you believe you will act accordingly. 

We as people can hear God’s word, be part of God’s plan and because of free will go against it. What do you choose? 

Scripture

• Galatians 5:13 – For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
• Revelation 3:20 – Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
• Romans 13:2 – So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

Reflection

We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and have been given free will. Free will to give in to temptation, to rebel, to use God’s words to our advantage, and turn against our brothers and sisters. But by doing so, we are turning against God.

I try to do my best but often fail. I turn it over to Jesus and ask forgiveness. I try not to blame God’s plan or rebel against it. When I do, I seek his love and forgiveness. 

Yes, God has a plan for the world and we are all part of it. But our path is not predestermined. We can choose to follow God or rebel. What will you choose? 

Challenge

Are you following God or using God to your advantage? Take a minute to really think about this. Is God providing for you and your aren’t taking advantage of all those he puts in your life? 

Prayer

Father God, since the beginning, we have been using your Word against one another. We have either said it’s bogus or it says what we want it to say or you have a plan and therefore whatever will be will be. We know you love us and want us to follow your word. We also know that you gave us the choice to follow or not. Help us have clarity on what that is. If we are straying from them, please redirect us. Give us the strength to admit when we are wrong. Let us share your word to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). We love you, honor you, and give you all the Glory. In your name, Amen.