Interpreting God's Will and Plan: A Critical Examination

When discussing the concept of God's will and plan, it's crucial to discern the true nature of these terms and understand their impact on human belief and practice. Many questions arise, such as: If everything happens according to God's plan, why bother praying? And does God truly have a plan that we can understand?

God's Will: An Arbitrary Concept

The term 'God's will' often appears as a justification for actions that might otherwise be viewed as morally questionable or harmful. Throughout history, various groups have used this concept to justify their actions, often without regard for the suffering of others. For instance, when variolation—a method to prevent smallpox—was proposed, Increase Mather and Thomas Boylston faced significant backlash from those who believed it interfered with God's 'plan' for disfigurement and death. Similarly, the early use of ether as an anesthetic was restricted because it was perceived as interfering with God's 'plan' that women should suffer for Eve's sin.

God's Plan: Myth or Reality?

The notion of God having an unchanging plan is often misused, exploited by those seeking control and power. According to Exodus 23:22, God has a Plan, but it belongs to a divine realm that is open and accessible only to the prophet or those who seek divine guidance. The faithful are encouraged to listen and follow their hearts, not to seek divine absolution outside of their own actions and beliefs.

Divine versus Human Intentions

Another perspective emerges from a more critical and existential stance. Some believers hold that God gradually guides individuals to greater wisdom and power, allowing them to understand and achieve success. This perspective aligns with the concept that God sees the 'big picture,' ensuring each individual's path is aligned with His will. This is epitomized in a statement from a character who believes in a divine protector: 'He slowly feeds you a bigger, more powerful weapon so you can master it while you’re doing what you have to do, which is try to help people. He protects you from the people that’s really trying to kill you, then when they’re gone, He tries to kill you every step of the way. It’s fucking awesome, a lot of fun now, but people was trying to eat me, kill me, no joke I just kept cursing them out.' This viewpoint suggests that divine intervention is subtle and ongoing, designed to assist and protect, rather than to punish or manipulate.

Biblical Evidence for God's Intervention

One profound biblical passage that supports the idea of divine intervention in human affairs is found in Revelation 12:7-9 (KJV). This verse describes a war in heaven, where Michael and his angels defeated the dragon and his forces. The passage states:

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

This narrative underscores that God has control over the universe and all that is in it, including the forces of evil. It emphasizes that those who reject or ignore salvation through Jesus Christ will face a judgment, reflecting God's will to bring about redemption and ensure eternal life for those who accept His plan.

Conclusion

The concept of God's will and plan is complex and multifaceted. While some emphasize the arbitrary and manipulative nature of these concepts, others find hope and guidance in the belief that God's will is subtly guiding them to a greater purpose. Understanding these perspectives is essential for navigating the abundant and often contradictory claims about God's will and plan, ultimately leading to a deeper, more meaningful faith.