From Rev. Brock Patterson
“God’s Choice or My Choice?”
I often wonder why God chooses to do some things while choosing to not do others. Most of the time, I think about this when I am on the receiving end of something unpleasant, painful, bad, or all three. It’s rare that I contemplate this statement when things are going well. What about you?
I’m guessing that this question has been asked since man and woman became smart enough (or dumb enough, but that’s another discussion, entirely) to think for themselves. God’s ways are always difficult to surmise, particularly because we aren’t smart enough.
This realization (that I’m not smart enough) is one of the ways I overcome a poor perception of value and self-worth. Those of you who are reading this probably have your own ways of addressing the issues of God’s choices. However, deep down, we recognize that our answers are just answers of Faith and not philosophical solutions to anything.
Throughout my vocation as a pastor, I’ve encountered lots of people who are too smart for God. What do I mean? Specifically, I’m referring to those who are unable to recognize God’s presence, especially if they can’t see, touch, or hear God. This compounds the issue when they contemplate God’s allowance of both joy and pain, good and bad, winners and losers, etc. Essentially, lots of people dismiss God because they don’t have proof that God exists. but even if they had proof, it still doesn’t help them to resolve the issue of God’s choices.
Back to square one: Why does God choose one thing versus another? I suppose because God wants to. God doesn’t have to give us reasons, just like we don’t have to provide the reasoning for our own choices. Does God owe us an explanation? Should we expect God to let us in on His infinite knowledge and planning? In fact, if God did tell us why certain things happened, would it really change our minds about anything? Would it help us to be more faithful to know the mind of God? Probably not.
If I want to understand God more, then it’s really up to me to make the effort to get to know God better. It’s not going to help me to pout in the corner until God appears. God doesn’t owe me that. Instead, I owe God the respect to at least make the effort to get to know the LORD. If I choose not to honor God, love God, or even believe in God, then that’s my choice…not God’s.
Thankfully, God is extremely patient. No matter how doubtful I have been, or how much I don’t think I need God, God is still waiting for me with open arms. That’s the choice that God makes today. Now, it's my turn.
Job answered God:
“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’
I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.” (Job 42:1-6, The Message)
God Bless,
Brock
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