Saturday, March 28, 2026
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21 KJV).
The following protest has been offered: “There is no free will. I did not ask to be here.” Of course, this is downright silliness. How could you ask to be here? To ask to be here implies you would first have to be here, for someone who is not here is unable to ask to be here. Nonexistent beings cannot speak! It is illogical to suggest permission can be asked of someone who is not there.
Observe. The God of the Bible has laid out a plan for life, but we can decide to do something else. He does not force us to live according to His eternal purpose. This is free will. Sin complicates the situation because the sinner is naturally defiant, an autonomous being in his or her own eyes. At some point, if ever so briefly, each sinner realizes “I did it my way” is selfish, unfulfilling, and futile (today’s Scripture).
Recently, a young woman told me how it is tempting to grow discouraged or frustrated to see and hear people “act the fool” online. My advice to her was simple: if God is not worked up in handing people over to it, then it should not work us up either. Eventually, you learn to limit your exposure to drama and concentrate on more important matters in life.
We will not worry about “I did not ask to be here,” for that is too self-centered and therefore fails to take into consideration someone or something beyond ourselves. Also, we will not bother with the lame, “I was not here 1,000 years ago, and I will not be here 1,000 years from now.” The fact of the matter is, we are here now, so let us make the most of it by choosing to learn why we are here—as opposed to inventing “clever” philosophical statements designed to provide us with an alibi for our spiritual laziness and ineptitude.
Life that truly is life cannot be enjoyed until that life starts here: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
333 Words of Grace 