A Plan For Our Lives, Does God Have One?

I am posing this questions to Christians, but as always, all are free to answer. I just ask if you are responding as a non-Christian to clarify that.

Part of my reasoning for asking this is that I often find myself differing on this with other Christians and I am curious as to what others have been taught in Christian settings.

Preface over.

What do you believe?

Do you believe God has a plan for each and every life?
Or do you believe free will, by definition, negates the concept of a plan?
And if there are scriptures that molded these beliefs, please share them as well.

I believe that God does have a plan for our lives and that free will works with in this.

I have had people get angry with me over my view of Pre Destination, which I would equate to God's plan.

My view of Pre Destination (which I have arrived at through personal study of the Bible over a number of years - not saying my view is better than someone elses just letting you know how I arrived at my belief) is that God is not a micro manager - some people down through the ages have used the micro manager view to justify everything they do with the idea that if I am doing this it must be God's will (after all he is in the drivers seat and the bible does say that we are pre-destined) This view point equates pre-destination with unavoidable destiny.

I equate pre-destination to God's Plan. For example, my father pre-destined me to become an accountant and take over the family business. (my father's plan and will for my life) Instead I graduated from college and began driving Tractor Trailers so I did not fulfill the destiny that he had in mind for me.

In the same way God has a plan for my life and it is up to me whether I follow that plan. Some obvious stuff Love my neighbor as myself etc. Some not so obvious stuff should I were the white or the black shirt today

A good example of how I arrived at this probably unorthodox viewpoint. The Bible says that Jesus died once for all and that it is God's will that none should perish but that all would inherit eternal life and receive the Heavenly gift. (clearly God's plan for all to go to Heaven) Yet is also is very clear that some will not receive eternal life in Heaven but will receive eternal life with punishment instead.

Also I think that God's fore knowledge often makes this issue cloudy. For example where it is said that God created some vessels for honor and some for dishonor some people will say see unavoidable destiny (which is fine for them) I look at the same passage and see that God just knows what we will do from beginning to end yet he still lets us make the choices that he already knows that we will. If you believe God to be omniscient (all knowing) this would come under that heading, as opposed to predetermination.

*whew* I'm out of steam for now

In a nutshell I do not believe that free will in any way negates a plan for our lives or vica versa. Whether to follow/seek after the plan is just another choice of free will.

From a responsibility aspect, I would much rather it was out of my control as I would not then have to be accountable for my actions

Peace

Mikel

Yeah, what he said. I pretty much agree with Raven on this one. Thanks for saying it all. Now breath. LOL
Mary

I, too, am a Christian even tho I have studied other belief systems and continue to do so. I believe that God has a plan but there are paths that we can freely choose. The path chosen gives definite results. We can go against what God would wish us to do, freely. Most of us do this whether we do it consciously or not. Therefore I do not believe that freewill negates the plan. It simply changes its course.

My son chose a different course than I would have chosen for him. I continue to hope he pulls his head out of his left ear one of these days. But it is "his" path and not mine.

I chose a path different from my parents wishes. I turned out okay, tho.

hmmmmmm, did any of that make sense?

No, not really.

I'm proud of my little sister, even when I can't understand her.

Was it really incoherent? Did I have another gray moment?

Honest! I don't see any gray hairs!

No, not really.

I'm proud of my little sister, even when I can't understand her.

Studies have shown that Brothers and Sisters frequently have difficulty understanding each other. But what you say makes sense to me Janeymae.

Many times routes can be quite varied as to how you end up where you are going. Some are better depending on what you want or are looking for. The fastest is not always the most expediant or the best.


hmmmmm.....did that make sense

No, not really.

I'm proud of my little sister, even when I can't understand her.

Studies have shown that Brothers and Sisters frequently have difficulty understanding each other. But what you say makes sense to me Janeymae.

Many times routes can be quite varied as to how you end up where you are going. Some are better depending on what you want or are looking for. The fastest is not always the most expediant or the best.


hmmmmm.....did that make sense

No, not really.

Are you sure we aren't related?

I would have to agree with Raven. I believe God has a plan for each of us, and he sets you down a path, but when you come to the fork, this is where free will comes into play, you may go right or left and sometimes you turn and follow the wrong path, it doesn't mean God turns his back on you for making the wrong turn, He just makes that path do what he wants and leads you back the right way.

Wow!!!! That really is neat! I understood you completely! Be afraid......be very afraid!!!

Well, geez! Stand a little closer! You are taller than I am. Clean off your glasses now. I'll stand in the light! Okay, so my hair isn't gray .... it's white.

Janey Mae,

You should never apologise for White hair, this is an honor.

Gray Hair is a sign of age.

White Hair is a sign of Wisdom.

Well said, Sir Richard. I also have white hair, butt only one part of me is truely wise.

JaneyMae won't admit it, but her "cabin" is a fine house on the bank of one of the top ten fly fishing places in the world. The best hole in the river is behind her "cabin" and is where she parks her jet boat in the summer. Awsome place if you like to play catch and release with really BIG trout. You would like it.

See, I can be nice when I am not in a place where I am exercising the age old art of the Jester.

Does this still apply if nobody can see them?