We’ve all heard it.
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“It must be God’s will.”
“God’s in control.”
But what if not everything that happens is actually what God wants?
There’s a difference between what God actively does — and what He permits because He gave us free will.
This is the tension between God’s active will and God’s permissive will — and understanding the difference could change the way you see your life, your pain, and your purpose.
God’s Active Will: What He Desires and Initiates
The active will of God is what He initiates. It’s His heart in motion.
Healing. Redemption. Salvation. Miracles.
These aren’t reactions — they’re the rhythm of His nature.
“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
— John 10:10 (CSB)
“He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world…”
— Ephesians 1:4 (CSB)
God actively works to bring life, freedom, and restoration.
If you see healing, hope, or wholeness — you’re looking at His fingerprints.
God’s Permissive Will: When He Honors Our Choices
But then there’s what God allows.
Not because He wants it…
But because He refuses to control us.
He gave humanity a precious gift — the ability to choose.
He won’t override that.
Even when our choices lead to pain.
From the garden of Eden to today, God has always honored our ability to walk with Him — or walk away. And with that freedom comes real consequences.
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life…”
— Deuteronomy 30:19 (CSB)
God doesn’t send the curse — but He won’t always shield us from what we’ve chosen.
This is the permissive will of God:
He permits what He does not prefer, because He desires real relationship — not forced obedience.
He’s Still Good in the Middle of It All
Here’s the beauty of it:
Even when we choose wrongly, even when the consequences hit, God doesn’t walk away.
He steps into the middle of our mess.
He redeems. He rebuilds. He restores.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God…”
— Romans 8:28 (CSB)
Not all things are good — but God works within all things.
He doesn’t waste your brokenness. He doesn’t waste your waiting.
Jesus is the Filter
Still unsure if something is God’s will?
Look at Jesus.
He is the clearest picture of the Father’s heart.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature…”
— Hebrews 1:3 (CSB)
Jesus never gave people disease to teach them something.
He never told anyone to stay broken “for the greater good.”
He healed. He delivered. He brought heaven down.
If it didn’t come from Jesus, it’s not the desire of the Father.
So many people are stuck accepting pain as part of “God’s plan” — when it was never His desire in the first place.
Here’s the truth:
You’ll never fight what you believe God gave you.
You’ll never break free from chains you think God put on you.
It’s time to break that mold.
God is not the one trying to keep you down.
He’s the One calling you higher.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I blamed God for something that was really a consequence of free will?
- Am I confusing what God permits with what He desires?
- Where do I need to invite God’s active will into my life right now?
God’s will is not mysterious cruelty — it’s miraculous love.
He gives you the power to choose. But even more, He gives you the grace to return.
And He’s always working… not just to get you out of something, but to get heaven into you.
break the mold 
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