Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty and Human Autonomy

When we experience difficulties in life, we often wonder why God allows them to happen to us. We may feel like we are jumping through unnecessary hoops or that God is not answering our prayers as we had hoped. However, it's essential to understand that God is not on a divine ego trip, but rather, He is the One Who suffered for us so that we could live. He doesn't ask us to believe because He needs us to, but because He loves us and wants us to latch on to Him in order to be saved from our sins.

The Mystery of God's Will

The Bible teaches us that God grants us an area of autonomy, allowing us to accept or reject Him. This desire to accept or reject God arises out of that autonomy. While we may not fully understand why God allows certain things to happen to us, we can trust that He has His own good reasons. However, this doesn't mean that we can change God's will by our actions, including our prayers. God's sovereignty is not bound by our decisions, and He can still forgive us for sins we didn't commit. Instead, we should focus on denying ourselves, losing ourselves to find ourselves, and allowing God to grip us by His mercy.

Seeking God's Guidance

When we're struggling to understand God's will, we should seek His guidance by meeting with Him regularly. This can be through prayer, reading the Bible, or seeking the counsel of spiritual leaders. We should also be mindful of our own hearts and the principles that guide our lives. If we're experiencing difficulties, we should ask ourselves if there are any roadblocks or obstacles in our lives that are hindering our access to God. By seeking God's guidance and being willing to deny ourselves, we can trust that He will help us navigate life's challenges and lead us to a deeper understanding of His will. As the Bible says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9).