Does everything happen for a reason?
A few years ago I was asked a question by a friend who had gone through a divorce after having two kids. He asked:
"Does everything happen for a reason? Did God want me to marry my ex-wife, have these wonderful kids, all while knowing we would eventually get divorced? Is this all part of His plan?"Does everything happen for a reason? Would God ever intend for us to make a covenant only to break it? Would God ever intend for you to sin to bring about good things?
That doesn't sound like a just and fair God to me. I believe the idea that "everything happens for a reason" is a flawed and false ideology. Which is odd because it sounds so good, even comforting, doesn't it? But like every good counterfeit, it is ALMOST true. So, what is it counterfeiting? What true principle is it immitating?
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Consider the difference between a football movie, and a real football game.
In a movie, everything does happen for a reason. It is all scripted out before the actors get on stage. In a game, no mistake is planned out. There are missed passes, fumbles, interceptions, injuries, and the worst of all, a missed field goal chipshot. (Kickers... am i right?)
In a movie, there are screenwriters, directors and actors. In a game, there are players and a coach.
In a movie, we have to be down big so that the comeback in the 4th quarter is even greater. It has to be 4th and long, because converting on 2nd down and short is boring.
In a game, the coach calls the play hoping that we'll execute. If we don't, if I miss my block or drop the pass, the coach isn't smiling on the sideline like "yes, just like I drew it up". No, I simply missed my assignment. Luckily we have a coach that is so good, He can work with our mistakes. He has a great play for 2nd and long; He prefers 2nd and short, thats why He gave us the other play in the first place. But He will always help us learn from our mistakes and give us a new play to run.
As you ponder this principle, please do not forgot the second half. "All things work together for good to them that love God".
"Just give it up. Surrender your will to Him. Unconditionally. Withhold nothing. Turn it all over to Him; all of your desires, wishes, dreams and hopes. Be true and faithful in your head and in your heart, not just in your behavior. Trust in Him. Trust Him who knows all things. Trust Him who has all power. Trust Him whose love for you is perfect. Trust Him, who alone suffered, paid and atoned for your sins, and for your weaknesses as well. Trust Him that He will make of you, immeasurably more, than what you will ever, ever, in all eternity, make of yourself. He will create of you a masterpiece. You will create of you only a smudge. You will create an ordinary man. He will create a God." - Lawrence E. Corbridge
Trust in God's promise. All of your mistakes, successes and even circumstances will come together for your good and benefit, IF you trust Him and love Him.
Ryan LaFaye
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