I just finished up a book study in my Wednesday morning bible study group. “The Will of God” by Leslie Weatherhead was a great read and opened my eyes on how to analyze events in my life, good or bad, and not just mark them off as simply being “the will of God.”
Weatherhead points out three different forms of God’s will, “intentional,” “circumstantial,” and “ultimate” will and the book is structured around explaining the differences.
In preparation for leading our study, I referenced my pastor at my old church back in Dalton. He sent me a note that struck me as profound…
“I remember the first time I read this book. I had problems with the idea that our understanding of human freedom implies that we might make decisions which come as a surprise to God. I know many sincere Christians who wish to be “free will” Arminians, but who in reality are Calvinists – God knows everything that is going to happen, and is somehow behind it all. My little brain can’t solve those intellectual problems. But I know that I believe God will hold me responsible for freely making an eternally significant choice, either for him or against him. If that be so, I don’t know how to put all the pieces together without thinking of the world as a place where I can make choices which God might have been able to predict, but for which he cannot be held responsible.”
In the midst of all of the world’s tragedies and confusion, this book provided some insight and clarity to suffering and sin. I highly recommend it.
