Willing

“Lord willing.” These are the words we spoke when we wanted to be sure everyone knew we weren’t presuming our own plans on God. “I’ll be there on Thursday, Lord willing.” “When I graduate from college, Lord willing…” Somehow the words “Lord willing” indicated our awareness of the sovereignty of God; indicated our awareness of God’s ultimate determination over our lives and our plans. And, I think, “Lord Willing” indicated our submission to God’s will.But does everything that happens happen within the will of God? This is a tough question. Does anything happen outside of the Lord’s will? I think so. I think we can do things that are directly in contradiction to God’s will. And I certainly think that there are horrible things that happen that God didn’t at all will.I guess we are then asking the age old question about free will and God’s sovereignty and all of questions that tap into the reality of the divine mystery. I do believe in a God who is ultimately willing. Willing to give me life and breath and everything else I need. Willing to live the life that I live and die the death that I must die, in order to give me true, abundant, eternal life. Willing to walk every step of the journey with me, and willing to lovingly redeem my life, no matter what happens.