Free Will: Is God still in Control?

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user Sergioht87.)

If God gives us free will, How does He remain in control? Can both coexist?

It’s true that God has given us the ability to choose. These choices, however, will have consequences made unwisely.

“Everything is permitted for me”—but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permitted for me”—but I will not be controlled by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12

We have free will, yes, but not every choice will honor or glorify God. So we must choose not to be controlled by liberty itself.

How is true freedom found in Jesus Christ?

Anything we give to God, including control over our lives, is under His authority. Anything outside of God is governed by self. (Really, any choice outside of God means that we are serving the one who opposes God: the devil.)

Choices affect others.

It isn’t God’s will when someone takes another person’s life. It isn’t God’s will when a woman is raped. It isn’t God’s will when the weak and the poor are treated unjustly. But God has given all free will. Therefore, He has allowed these things to take place here on earth. Allowing is very different than willing.

Does God stop some of these things from Occuring?

I believe He does. I believe He likely spares us more than we know.

Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you.” God will save you from hidden traps and from deadly diseases. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide.

Psalm 91:1-3

Sometimes delays may even be those mercies; those plans that fell through; hopes and dreams that were dashed; that job or person who rejected us.

I do believe that God is in control. For He assures those who love Him that He will work everything for their good. Those who love Him are those who listen to Him and allow themselves to be transformed through the renewing of their minds. This means those who follow His ways. Those who take His hand and live under His protection, obeying His commands as they are written in Scripture.

Suffering

Nevertheless, we may fall into sin anyways. In our weakness, we don’t always flee temptation or resist the devil. Suffering may also be the consequences of another’s free will.

Furthermore, God gives us both good times and difficult times.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10

When we do make our mistakes they will teach us about ourselves. They also teach us about God. God is the lover of our souls. He takes pity on our wretched state and doesn’t leave us the way He finds us. He chases after our hearts. He steadies us and puts our feet upon solid ground. He washes us white as snow, and gives us dignity. He gives us a new name: beloved, blessed, children of God. 

Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.” 

Romans 10:11

Trusting

Sometimes we fail to trust God with the path. We stumble and get lost. But God is still in control. 

Many men and women in the Bible struggled to trust God. Here is a wonderful read on 10 women who struggled to trust God.

10 Women in the Bible who Struggled to Trust God’s Plan

Living under God’s protection doesn’t always look like things are under control. Given the chaos on earth, or our own suffering, we may feel as if our world will spin right off it’s axis if we don’t take things into our own hands. We may be desperate for an escape hatch. But God is the anchor of our souls who reminds us that He can even work this for our good. He says to us, Peace, be still…. You’re not doing this alone. I’m still in control. I still sit on my throne. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19

---

Jesus Still Sits on His Throne. ❤

Our God is still in Control. ❤