Bible Question:

If the life of a person is preplanned by God, then how can God be fair and just? Why are some suffering and some having the best to themselves just based on luck and not hard work? If God knew that Judas would betray him, then don't you think Judas' action was pre-planned by God? Then why should he be blamed for betraying Christ?

Bible Answer:

While God knows everything and controls many events, He has not planned everything in our lives. Otherwise, the writer James under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would not have said the following,

You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. (NASB) James 4:2

That is, we are missing some things in this life because we do not ask. If God has planned everything, then we should not miss anything. If God has determined everything, then the last part of James 4:2 is meaningless. God has planned some details of our lives, but He has also given us freedom to make many decisions.

God’s Decisions

Children often think that their parents are unfair and partial when they either do not agree with their parents’ decisions or do not like the decision. The vast majority of parents are far wiser than their children due to education and years of life experiences. Parents provide clothes, food, protection, and love. It is not uncommon for a parent to do something for one child only to discover that another child is angry because the parent did not do the same for him/her. They do not understand the motive of their parent(s) or the unique need of a brother or sister that their parent(s) attempted to meet.

God makes decisions that we do not always understand either. Some events in our lives are planned by God and others are not. What is the reason for some of God’s decisions? Just as with human parents we may never understand. God reminds us that He is not like us.

. . . You thought that I was just like you . . . (NASB) Ps. 50:21

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (NASB) Is. 55:8-9

For those who believe Him and love Him, God has left us this promise,

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son . . . (NASB) Rom. 8:28-29a

Conclusion:

Everything has not been planned. He has left many decisions to us. I am thankful that an all-knowing, all-powerful, and loving God watches out for me and makes the decisions that He does make in my life. Otherwise, my life would be a major wreck.

Suggested Links:

Is everything already determined in our life by God?
Did God know Satan was going to tempt Adam and Eve?
Seeking God's Will