Can human plans succeed against God's will?

Human beings have always sought to understand the nature of God and His will, especially when it comes to the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. The question of whether human plans can succeed against God's will is a profound one, touching on the core of Christian doctrine and the nature of God's omnipotence and omniscience.

At the heart of this inquiry is the understanding that God is sovereign. This means that He has ultimate authority and control over all creation. Scripture affirms this in numerous places. For instance, the prophet Isaiah declares, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV). This passage emphasizes that God's plans are unchangeable and that His purposes will be fulfilled.

Similarly, the book of Proverbs provides wisdom on this matter: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21, NIV). This verse underscores the idea that while humans may devise numerous plans, it is ultimately God's will that will come to fruition. This is not to say that human plans are insignificant or without consequence, but rather that they operate within the framework of God's sovereign will.

The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a compelling illustration of this principle. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, intending harm. However, God used their actions to bring about a greater good. Joseph himself acknowledges this when he says to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20, NIV). Here, we see that human actions, even those meant for evil, cannot thwart God's ultimate plan. Instead, God, in His sovereignty, can repurpose human intentions to fulfill His divine purposes.

Another example is found in the New Testament with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders and Roman authorities planned and executed what they believed would be the end of Jesus' ministry. However, their actions were part of God's predetermined plan for the redemption of humanity. The apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, speaks to this: "This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him" (Acts 2:23-24, NIV). This passage highlights that even actions taken against God's anointed one were within the scope of God's sovereign will and served His redemptive purposes.

However, the relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will is complex and often mysterious. While God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted, He has given humans the capacity to make choices. These choices can lead to real consequences, both good and bad. The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who made choices that were contrary to God's revealed will, resulting in personal and communal suffering. King Saul, for instance, disobeyed God's commands, leading to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom (1 Samuel 15).

Yet, even in instances of human disobedience, God's overarching plan remains intact. The apostle Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Romans: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV). This verse offers assurance that God's providence is at work in all circumstances, orchestrating events in a way that ultimately serves His good purposes.

The theological concept of compatibilism can be helpful in understanding this dynamic. Compatibilism holds that God's sovereignty and human free will are not mutually exclusive but rather work together in a way that is beyond human comprehension. This means that while humans are free to make choices, those choices are somehow part of God's sovereign plan. Wayne Grudem, a well-respected theologian, explains it this way in his "Systematic Theology": "God causes all things that happen, but he does so in such a way that he somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices."

This understanding calls Christians to a posture of humility and trust. Humility in recognizing that our understanding is limited and that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Trust in knowing that God is good, loving, and just, and that His plans for us are ultimately for our good and His glory (Jeremiah 29:11).

In practical terms, this means that while we should diligently make plans and pursue our goals, we should do so with a heart of submission to God's will. James, the brother of Jesus, offers wise counsel on this matter: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that'" (James 4:13-15, NIV). This passage encourages believers to recognize the uncertainty of life and the necessity of aligning our plans with God's will.

In conclusion, while human plans can be made and pursued with intention and effort, they operate within the sovereignty of God's will. Human actions, whether aligned with or contrary to God's revealed will, cannot ultimately thwart His divine purposes. Instead, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, works through and despite human actions to bring about His good and perfect will. This truth calls us to live with humility, trust, and a commitment to seeking and aligning ourselves with God's purposes in all that we do.