Chapter 19

"Okay, Jen, here we go. As Christians, we believe that God has certain plans for all of us. When people say 'Everything happens for a reason,' this is what they're talking about. God's plan."

"So we can't change anything? Is that what you're saying?" Jennifer asked.

"Not exactly. Again, we believe that part of God's plan is to give us choices. And I don't mean choices like which of the 31 flavors of ice cream to get. I mean choices more about spiritual matters."

"Such as?"

"Such as whether or not we believe in God. On whether we accept that Jesus was the Son of God, and accepting that, that we accept Him into our hearts as our Savior. God gave us that choice."

Jennifer thought a moment. "But wouldn't it make more sense for God to control the 'spiritual matters' and let free will do the rest? You know, in terms of things like where we live, where we work, who we marry. If God is spiritual, then...do you see what I'm saying?"

"I do. And you do still have free will. Let me put it this way: have you ever done something you knew was wrong?"

"Well...I took some lip gloss from a Walgreens when I was 11."

"And you knew it was wrong when you did it, didn't you?"

Jen looked at her feet. "Yes."

"You see? That voice inside - that was God's plan. But you chose to ignore God's plan and exercise your free will, which was to commit that sin."

"But...wouldn't that throw off God's whole plan? If taking that lip gloss went against his plan for me, wouldn't that mess up future situations?"

Pastor Wood smiled. "Well yes, if God were a machine that couldn't adapt. But God takes these situations, these situations that don't fit in and adapts them into a new plan. And if you think of how many people are acting against God's plans all over the world, you begin to realize the awesome power of God."

"I see."

"Do you mind if I ask why you bring all of this up?"

A pause.

"We read part of Slaughterhouse Five in English class, and in there -"

"Ah yes, time is happening everywhere at the same time, and nobody can change anything."

"YOU read Kurt Vonnegut?" Jennifer was surprised.

"I have. In fact, it was 'Galapagos' that led me to some interesting books about evolution and creation and, indirectly, led me to the church."

"Really?"

"Really and truly."

"Thanks, Pastor Wood. I need to get to work, but I appreciate your time."

"No problem, Jen."

She gathered her purse and got up to leave.

"Jennipher, just one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Regardless of whether you accept that God has plans for you or not - and I believe that he does - know that all of it - ALL of it, fate, free will, where you live, whom you marry, all that - all of it is because he loves you. He loves you with the same awesome power he used to create the universe. First John 4:8b: 'for God is love.'"

"Thanks, Pastor."

"Anytime."