Disclaimer:  the conversation that follows is more of me thinking out-loud than a traditional “post”.  Feel free to continue the conversation.

I have been thinking about God’s will lately, and there are 2 camps:

• Camp A believes that God wills [causes] everything to occur. 
• Camp B believes that God allows everything to occur.

Notice the difference, and think about the implications of the two. 

Common example:  I am driving, and in need of some tunes, so I look down to scroll through my iPod.  You walk out into the road – I don’t see you – and I run you over.  You don’t make it.

So, did God will [cause] for me run over you?  Or, did he allow it?

I read a devotional today where the author (Camp A) stated the following.

One of the objectives of the Holy Spirit when He became resident in your life is to “work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” When circumstances, not to your liking, invade your life, thank Him for His providential leading, for it is His work according to His will. 

(Scripture Reference:  “For God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” Philippians 2:13)

Out of context?  This verse is saying that God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases Him.  This passage is not saying that God wills [causes] things to happen to you.  Now, some basic assumptions here are that God is able to do what He wants, and we see at times in history and in Scripture that God does lift His hand and lead people to act in order to accomplish His will. 

Another classic example: Job. 

Did God will [cause] the tragedies that fell on Job?  Or, did he allow it?

I sleep and eat in Camp B.   Where do you sleep?