"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." (Jeremiah 29:11a NIV)
A simple statement; one that throws everything which we expect of freewill into chaos. Yet, I believe that it is only our human minds which cause this chaos surrounding whether or not humans truly have free will. Yes, God knows the plans that he has for us, but he does not force us into them.
Being the start of 2014, a new year, I know that for some people, their goal is to find a job. This "real world" example of job hunting can carry over into our relationship with God. Just as we choose to work for a company, under their authority, we also choose to submit ourselves to God, declaring him as the boss. At any point, we have the option to quit, however, why would we?
"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b NIV)
"...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11b NIV)
Despite the guaranteed days of trouble that Jesus warned us of in John 16:33, God also promises in the second half of Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for us are good and full of hope and prosperity. We cannot see the whole picture of how the past and present will affect the future, however, God has the whiteboard in his office and on it is the very large game plan which connects each of us and our experiences to eachother. God knows. It's as short and simple as that. God knows what is needed of us to bring his plans together and instead of forcing us to do what he wants, he asks us to choose to listen and to trust his instructions.
With this in mind, the next question is an easy one to ask, though a hard one to act on...
God, what do you want me to do?
