God's plan -vs- God's will

[Khristeeanos]

I have pondered this topic for a while now and wanted to get some opinions on this.

We need to define God's plan and God's will.

There are verses that say, "It is God's will that you be sanctified, that you avoid sexual immorality" and there are verses that say, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you."

What is the difference if any?

[dwinkjr]

Hmm just off the top of my head, I would say his Will is never changing, He is not willing that one shall perish. His Plans or his means of getting each of us to that point may vary. Make sense? So would his will be a day to day thing and his Divine Plan if oyu will, is the long term picture? Or Vice Versa, hmm great question brother.

God Bless,

Dave

[Born Again]

Hmm just off the top of my head, I would say his Will is never changing, He is not willing that one shall perish. His Plans or his means of getting each of us to that point may vary. Make sense? So would his will be a day to day thing and his Divine Plan if oyu will, is the long term picture? Or Vice Versa, hmm great question brother.

God Bless,

Dave

It does make sense Dave...

I'm going to have to think about this one for a while...

[Born Again]

I'm kinda thinking they're the same. Maybe because "..Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven"- would God's plan not be His will? I'm indifferent on this... maybe someone could shed some light on it?

This verse comes to mind:

Psalm 147

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

his understanding has no limit.

:il:

[kittyjo]

I've heard Gods will to be defined as:

God's Will is always good (moral), pleasing (it is pleasing to God), and perfect (represents what is ultimately perfect and produces maturity).

Couldn't the same be said for 'His plan' for us? Wouldn't it also be good, moral, pleasing to Him, perfect and wouldn't it also help us to grow and mature with Him?

I think so. God is good and His desire [will/plan] for us is also good.

Born Aggain, I think they are the same too.

Sometimes I wonder "Lord where are you going with this? I don't understand." And he says... "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." His will/plans are sometimes [most of the time] beyond my understanding, but I have faith in Him that good will come out of it... Because God is good. :il:

[Guest koppen]

Ephesians 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

God's will for your life is a GOAL, not a blue-print. His one ultimate goal, or purpose, is for you to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus. God's goal NEVER changes. A goal is the point you are trying to get to - it sets your direction. While on your way to this ultimate goal, you will encounter many smaller goals and purposes along the way.

Guidance is a lifelong process. God will reveal goals, help you reach them, then set new, higher ones. Therefore, knowing God's will for your life is a continued discovery of the present most effective plan to help you eventually reach (through a series of sub-stages) His ultimate goal for you. Should you miss God and make a wrong decision at one of these sub-stages, all is not lost However, many times there are consequences to pay. Sometimes you may miss an opportunity that may never again come your way... and many times good years that belong to God are simply wasted. But the moment our self-dependence or mistakes are confessed to God, and His pardon obtained, He will take you where you are at and work with you, daily pointing out the best course to take in order for you to reach His ultimate goal for you - to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus.

[other one]

Maybe I am all wet, but it seems to me that Gods plan will send some to hell, his will is for none of us to go there.

Like his plan deals with overall happenings and such and his will deals with individuals.

Just my first thoughts. It is something to ponder for a while.

Sam

[Khristeeanos]

Some great responses! Keep them coming!

I think that a lot of why I ask is because I wonder if God allows us to do what we want to do (plans) if we are abiding in His will.

Like a career or a place to live. My mind wanders a lot!

[Wix]

God's will for your life is a GOAL, not a blue-print. His one ultimate goal, or purpose, is for you to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus. God's goal NEVER changes. A goal is the point you are trying to get to - it sets your direction. While on your way to this ultimate goal, you will encounter many smaller goals and purposes along the way.

I see you guys saying what god's will is, but if god is this omnipotent, perfect being, how could you possible comprehend his will.

[Jedi4Yahweh]

This is how I understand the Will of God.

There are two types of "Will of God".

The "Permissive Will of God" and the "Perfect Will of God":

The Permissive will of God is non-specific will, it is the general will of God and just because it is Gods will does not mean that it will come to pass. For instance it is Gods will that all come to repentance and that no should parish. It is Gods will that we all live a godly fruitful life. Its Gods will the you be conformed to the image of his son. Its Gods will that you live a Godly and Upright life before God. It is Gods will that you sin no more. This is Gods will but we all know that not all will repent, be saved, nor live Godly nor be conformed to his sons image but yet it is still Gods will for us all. This is Gods permissive will of God its is not the specific (Perfect) will of God.

Then there is the "Perfect Will/Plan of God":

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Perfect will of God is God's detailed plan for your life. Its what I like to call the who-what-when-and-where-and-how will of God. Its God specific detail Will or Plan for your life and it does not allow much room for deviations.

Examples of Gods Perfect Will or Plan would be:

Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for our sins.

Paul called to be an Apostle by the will of God

Paul's call to take the Gospel to Rome.

Peters call to feed His sheep.

Davids call to become King of Israel.

Moses to led Israel to the promise land.

Abraham's call to be the father of nations.

Jacob to be the father of Israel.

Noah's call to build an Ark.

Mary to bear the son of God.

etc...

It is Gods permissive will that I be conformed to the image of Jesus but Gods specific will is for me to take the Gospel to Nepal and to reach a small little women named Liya who is a witch doctor of her village in return her whole village will be saved.

The bible is Gods Permissive will but it is not Gods Specific will or plan for your life this can only be revealed to you by his Spirit.

God bless,