Free Will vs. God’s Will
Daily Walk: Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) — “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Good Morning!
One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith is how human free will and God’s sovereign will work together. We all make choices every day—what to eat, where to work, how to respond to others. But Scripture also teaches that God is sovereign over all things, directing the course of history and our lives. This balance is not a contradiction—it is a divine harmony.
God’s Will is Sovereign
Isaiah 46:9–10 (ESV):
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”
- God’s will is not just a suggestion—it is unshakable and unstoppable.
- He knows all things—past, present, and future—and works everything according to His plan (Ephesians 1:11).
- Even the rise and fall of nations is under His control (Daniel 2:21).
Application: When life feels chaotic, remember: nothing is outside of God’s control. His will cannot be thwarted.
Humanity’s Free Will is Real
Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV):
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live…”
- God gives us the real ability to make choices, especially moral and spiritual ones.
- We are responsible for our actions and will give an account before God (Romans 14:12).
- Free will means we can choose to obey or rebel, to love God or reject Him.
Application: God’s sovereignty does not excuse us from responsibility. We can’t say, “God made me sin.” Every choice we make matters eternally.
How God’s Will and Our Free Will Work Together
Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV):
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
- We act and choose—but God works in and through our choices.
- Think of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery. They meant it for evil, but God used it for good (Genesis 50:20).
- God’s will is not limited by human choices—He can use even our wrong decisions to accomplish His purposes.
Application: This truth should humble us (God is in control) and motivate us (our choices still matter).
The Danger of Resisting God’s Will
Proverbs 14:12 (ESV):
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
- When we use free will to oppose God’s will, we walk toward destruction.
- Pharaoh hardened his heart against God repeatedly—God’s sovereign plan still stood, but Pharaoh bore the consequences of his rebellion.
- Choosing our own way over God’s way always leads to loss.
Application: If God’s Word says “No” or “Wait,” our wisest choice is to trust Him and obey.
The Freedom Found in Surrender
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV):
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- True freedom is not doing whatever we want—it’s living in alignment with God’s perfect will.
- Surrendering our will to God’s does not erase our choices—it redeems them.
- When we delight in God, our desires start to match His desires (Psalm 37:4).
Application: Pray daily, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Wrapping Up
Free will and God’s will are not enemies—they work together under God’s perfect sovereignty. We plan our steps, but God directs our path. Our choices matter, and yet God’s purposes prevail. This truth should move us to humility, trust, and obedience.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that You are sovereign and good. Thank You for giving us the gift of choice, and for working all things together for the good of those who love You. Teach us to surrender our will to Yours, to trust You when we don’t understand, and to choose what is right in every situation. May our lives bring You glory as we walk in step with Your perfect plan.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.