Growthtrac Community

[robidt]

I am new to the boards but have already been blessed with help from a previous post.
I am not a new Christian...but would consider myself new to completely wanting to be 100% in His will.
I am going through a marriage battle and have began to question so many things. I hate it...but I am bombarded with so many "opinions" Christian and otherwise that I feel lost.
I know what the bible says about divorce. I believe that He hates it no matter what the circumstance. I believe that if hearts would completely turn to Him then all areas of our lives would be fixed. Yes we will always have battles but with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
My question is really about God's sovereignty and man's free will. How do they intertwine?
Any biblical help would be greatly appreciated

[SAM]

Welcome - we're glad to have you here at GT Community.

Unfortunately, we do not have biblical scholars at our disposal. So, you get me today.

I have one website that I have used for years on tough biblical questions.
There is a man by the name of Hank Hanegraaf, called the Bible Answer Man, who I have personally enjoyed. He works with The Christian Research Institute.

http://www.equip.org/site/c.muI1LaMNJrE/b.2106253/

Also, there is a newer site I have come across recently that seems to be very "spot on" with tough biblical questions.

www.gotquestions.org

So, I did a little digging and this is what I came across for you. Hope it helps.

It is impossible for us to fully understand the dynamics of a holy God molding and shaping the will of man. Scripture is clear that God knows the future (Matthew 6:8; Psalm 139:1-4) and has total sovereign control over all things (Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 4:35). The Bible also says that we must choose God or be eternally separated from Him. We are held responsible for our actions (Romans 3:19; 6:23; 9:19-21). How these facts work together is impossible for a finite mind to comprehend (Romans 11:33-36).

People can take one of two extremes in regard to this question. Some emphasize the sovereignty of God to the point that human beings are little more than robots simply doing what they have been sovereignly programmed to do. Others emphasize free will to the point of God not having complete control and/or knowledge of all things. Neither of these positions is biblical. The truth is that God does not violate our wills by choosing us and redeeming us. Rather, He changes our hearts so that our wills choose Him. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).

What are we to do then? First, we are to trust in the Lord, knowing that He is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s sovereignty is supposed to be a comfort to us, not an issue to be concerned about or debate over. Second, we are to live our lives making wise decisions in accordance with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5). There will be no excuses before God for why we chose to disobey Him. We will have no one to blame but ourselves for our sin. Last but not least, we are to worship the Lord, praising Him that He is so wonderful, infinite, powerful, full of grace and mercy—and sovereign.

I have always found that my best source for guidance is sitting down and reading my bible to ease confusion in my life. Where chaos reigns - God is not present.

When I am confused by what scripture says, I will look at multiple bible translations to provide further clarity. A concordance is another wonderful resource. www.biblegateway.com is a great way to pull up mutliple translations. Personal homework and study takes times - we can't rush through it if we are truly seeking God's wisdom and understanding for our lives. Instant informational gratification does not provide time for absorption and understanding.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

[robidt]

Sam~thank you so much! I really appreciate your insight. I realize that we are all humans here and asking a huge question like that is something that is almost impossible to answer. I know what I think and what I believe...but as my struggle continues to just find God's perfect will for my life I find myself asking questions that I never would have before. Of course this question really has something to do with another human being which I really shouldn't ask. But when you love someone and there are children involved that stand to be impacted by his negative choices and blatant disobedience to God I want to find answers. I believe that God is HUGE. I believe that He will speak to us and do His part to keep us out of harms way. I guess when it comes to this situation in particular is it possible for God...almighty God to step in and stop this divorce because I truly want His will and my children want His will no matter what? I guess that is my real question.
Anyways thanks for the sites to look at I will do that right now.

[SAM]

Yes, I believe God is capable of stopping a divorce, but he will not force his will on the couple. He could change your spouse's heart... and that is something to pray for. Pray for Holy Spirit moments that help your spouse see God's presence in their life.

Hearts that turn away from God and toward the desires and selfishness of this world, often lose their capacity to love another human being. It's very sad, and usually is the cause of divorce.

[rdsmith3]

This is one of those topics that is incredibly difficult to understand.

I am no theologian, that is for sure. Plus, I only have a few minutes to give a quick response, but I will add my $0.02.

I hope we would all agree that God is sovereign. He controls everything.

I must have some ability to make choices -- I am not a robot -- or else my love of God, or my wife, would not be freely given. It would be false.

So where does my free will come from? How do I make my choices? Because I am by nature a sinner, and will make sinful choices, I think the only explanation for the righteous choices I make is God's influence.

We cannot question God's perfect goodness. At the same time, though, given God's sovereignty, it is hard to understand how He can allow a child to be molested or killed, or a family to be torn apart by abuse, alcoholism, and divorce. These things happen in our fallen world, and we cannot always understand why. Because of God's sovereignty, though, we know that He allows it to happen and He has a reason.

In my own life, for example, as a result of my suffering and eventual divorce in my first marriage, I turned to the Lord for help. I have been through years of pain (some of it the result of my own sinful choices); my kids have been hurt; but then end result was good.

God may allow divorce to happen in your life, and you may not understand the reason why. As a believer, you can take comfort in Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.


In addition to the resources SAM gives, one of my favorite places to go is John Piper's web site, desiring God. Here are some of his articles on God's sovereignty. He freely gives all his sermons and articles. It is all free, and the theology is sound.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/sermons/bydate/2002/110_The_Absolute_Sovereignty_of_God_What_Is_Romans_Nine_About/

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1976/1581_A_Response_to_JI_Packer_on_the_SoCalled_Antinomy_Between_the_Sovereignty_of_God_and_Human_Responsibility/

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/1997/1508_Summary_of_the_Sovereignty_of_God_in_Salvation/