Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that (as Romans 8:28 says) God is able to make ALL things (which I take to mean things that are both good and bad from a human perspective) work together for the believer´s good, as happened in the case of Joseph and, ultimately, his entire family. However, that does not mean that those who plan or carry out bad actions are thereby relieved of responsibility or judgment from God for their intent. Joseph ultimately forgave his brothers, but, before he revealed his identity to them, he also put them through several rounds of testing, which his brothers understood to be "payback" (from God, since they did not yet know that they were dealing with Joseph) for what they had done.

April 29 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ben Jones Retired Professional Photographer

Does God overrule our intentions?

As fallen mankind we like to think we are the "captain's of our souls" but scripture shows that God is sovereign over absolutely everyone and everything including our intentions. Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."

Proverbs 16:1 "We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer."

Proverbs 20:24 "The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?"

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps."

Nothing can happen (including sin and evil) unless God ordains it because nothing can happen outside of His power and Scripture confirms this abundantly. 

Ephesians 1:11 "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." 

Acts 17:28(a) "For in him we live and move and have our being...." 

Nothing can come into existence or continue in existence apart from God's power. Evil cannot and does not come from God's nature but God can and does use the evil in the nature of fallen humanity to accomplish His purposes. Was it an act of evil men to crucify our Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, but God ordained it.

"Acts 2:23 "But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him." 

The intentions of the scribes and Pharisees was to kill Jesus Christ and put an end to His ministry, but God raised Him from the dead and brought salvation to all who will believe.

November 15 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report