Workplace Discussions.....

This week's discussion topic at work has been: If God is in control and knows everything that is going to happen, then why/how do we have free will? The conversation goes around in circles. God knows everything and how things are going to turn out, so why do we pray to Him? Why do we ask Him for things when it's already set to happen a certain way? How does it benefit us or God? Well, the answer to that is in the relationship. God wants us to have a relationship with Him. And WE NEED to have a relationship with Him. Our discussion ended on the fact that we will never fully understand how things work in God's grand scheme of things, at least not as long as we exist on earth. In the end, we have to have faith that God is good and that we can trust Him with His plan.

Last night at Bible Study (Wonderful Wednesday), on the video we watched, Tony Evans said that it doesn't matter whether we accept or reject God, His plan will continue. Whether we accept or reject Him determines whether he will work through us, move around us, or push us out of the way. This was in reference to God's plan for the second coming of Christ, but I think it can also apply to God's plan in our day to day lives.

Now I have this picture in my head of God doing His work.....and sometimes we choose to join Him, sometimes we sit out or walk away. But, He is still carrying out His plan. I think that the choices we make may alter how our lives are played out, but God's concern is gathering souls to Himself. Not that He doesn't care about the little things in our lives - those things help us grow - but, in the end, the only thing that matters is our salvation. That is His work. So, while we may think that it is important that we get this or that job, marry someone at a certain time and have X number of kids, stay in good health.....these things do not worry God.....His work is bigger than that. Our lives are eternal. The things that go on in the small amount of time we spend on planet earth are miniscule in comparison to what God has planned. So, we need to choose to join God in His work, and all the little things will fall into place.

(And, yes, I work with awesome people who challenge my faith constantly with great discussions such as these. I am very thankful for them!)