Ever wonder why God gives us free will—even when it means we might make a mess of things? If you’ve ever sat with that question (maybe after a tough day or a bad decision), you’re not alone. The answer is as old as time, and as personal as your own heartbeat.
Every Life, A Blank Page
Imagine for a moment that life is a story, and each of us is holding a pen. Not a pencil with an eraser, but a pen—bold, real, permanent. The Author (with a capital A) sets the stage, lays out the chapters, and then—unbelievably—hands the pen to you.
It seems to me—at least in my case—life would be a whole lot safer if God had just written every page for us. No risk, no rebellion, no heartbreak, and a lot fewer of my own train-wreck decisions. But that wouldn’t be love. And God, from the very start, was after love—not robots.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10 (NIV)
Why Risk Free Will?
Here’s where it gets real: God gave us the freedom to walk away, even though He knew it would cost Him everything. So, why does God give us free will? The answer is as real today as it was at the dawn of time: love has to be chosen—or it’s not love at all.
When God created time, He also created choice. He let us laugh, build, stumble, and wander. He let us choose whether to trust Him. He didn’t force our hand—He opened it.
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction… Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Deuteronomy 30:15,19 (NIV)
Immanuel: God Writes Himself Into the Story
But He didn’t just sit back and watch. The greatest twist in all of history is this: the Author of the story stepped into the story Himself. God became one of us—Immanuel, “God with us”—to show us just how much He loves us, and to give us a way home.
He knows your name. He knows every scribble, every rough draft, every word you wish you could erase. He’s not surprised by your story. In fact, He’s still offering the pen, still cheering you on to choose life—to choose Him.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NIV)
For another post about God’s rescue and grace at the last minute, see Thief on the Cross: Last-Second Rescue
The Invitation: Write Your Next Line
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking your story’s already gone off the rails. Here’s the good news: as long as there’s breath in your lungs, the next line hasn’t been written yet. Grace is still on the table. God’s invitation isn’t forced—it’s freely offered. It’s your move.
Bottom line?
God wants you, not just your obedience. He knows your story—good, bad, and everything you’d rather leave out—and still chooses love, every time. The question is: will you pick up the pen?
Want a Great song that song puts our story to melody:
“This Is Our God” by Phil Wickham
Walls we thought we’d never break through? He’s already knocked them down.
Mountains we thought we’d never climb? He’s already overcome them.
No matter your past, your doubts, or how stuck you feel, God is still writing new chapters—and He’s not done.
Take a few minutes, listen through the lyrics below, and let this reminder settle in: This is our God—King Jesus, the One who loves, saves, and redeems.
What About You?
Has God ever broken down a wall or shown up in your story in a way you didn’t expect?
What line from the song—or this post—stood out to you most?
Share your thoughts or your own story in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you’re seeing God at work!
Praise God for View From Top!