Can human beings thwart Divine Providence (the will of God)?
On the one hand, God is absolutely sovereign, and his purpose governs all things: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2); “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isa 46:10).
On the other hand, the Scriptures also show that God does not force his love upon his creatures, and that some reject his purpose for themselves, as did the Pharisees: “But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John” (Luk 7:30; see Q208, Q383).
These religious leaders even opposed the Lord’s desire to gather the children of Jerusalem and so grieved his heart: “How often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luk 13:34; see Q055).
Yet, even where the actions of men are evil, God’s sovereign power is such that “all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28; see Q008, Q078). Thus, Joseph could reassure the brothers who had sold him: “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today” (Gen 50:20; see Q298, Q431).
The “thwarting” of God’s purpose must therefore be considered from both the divine (eternal) and the human perspective. From the human side, there is real responsibility, and the terrible ability to reject the good for oneself; from God’s side, all things issue in the ultimate good of his glory and the salvation of his beloved in Christ.
