A Mother's Reflection on Free Will and God's Pursuit
The big, slobbery, baby kisses… the chunky cheeks and smooshy lips saying “muah” over and over as they cover your face with frantic affection. It’s some of the sweetest times as a mom when your baby learns to give you kisses. They’re so proud, so fierce, in their love.
But there’s something even better.
The moment your child decides to give you love and affection, unrequested, unprompted, out of the blue, and genuine. When their love comes out of their own free will it is a million times better than something they’ve learned and done out of rote memory or obedience.
When I experienced this with my first child, I finally understood why God gave us free will. It was always a perplexing topic…why would God allow us to wander, to get hurt, to choose a difficult life, to go to Hell? It doesn’t make sense.
It’s easy to put God in a human box; to think of Him as finite. We imagine him having human reasoning and rationale. We can’t fully understand the why behind His design.
God created us for relationship. Without a surrendered heart, there is no true affection. As a triune God, He is the ultimate example of an intimate relationship; being one in body and spirit. His desire for us to experience intimacy with Him and others is evidenced in His creation of humanity.
“But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, 'Where are you?'” (Genesis 3:9, ESV).
Being a relational, personal God, the Lord walked in the garden and sought after Adam.
The God who called out to him…is calling out to humankind. He desired to know him, to seek him out, to reconcile with him. Even after Adam betrayed him. The Lord pursued him.
Have you felt God pursuing you? Perhaps you felt as if you were too far gone?
God still wanted to know Adam. He still wants to know you.
God chose Adam. He chose us, He’s still choosing us when He reveals Himself to us each day. When He forgives, when He provides, when He heals, when He comforts. He desires us to choose Him. He doesn’t want us to merely obey. He wants our hearts.
Insert your name into this scripture and let it transform your relationship with the Lord… “But the Lord God called out to _____; Where are you?”
Meet the Author
Hannah Carpenter
Hannah is a follower of Jesus, a mom to five, and a wife of 20 years. As a creative, she is passionate about bringing writing, painting, and beauty to the Lord as a form of worship. A true Wisconsinite, Hannah’s favorite place to be is on the lake with a good book, some snacks, and her family.
