Does God Make Mistakes? - Hard Questions

Not too long ago, my atheist neighbor was having some trouble in his backyard. Hearing his struggle, I came over to help him. Once we finished setting things straight, he looked at me and asked this question: “Since you’re a pastor, I want to know if you think that your God has done a pretty bad job at keeping things straight? Because I do.” I asked him to clarify, and his response was quick and emphatic, “It’s obvious that your ‘powerful’ and ‘all-knowing’ God makes mistakes!”

His question seemed to linger forever in the cool air as I considered his words. My mind could only seem to picture my oldest son facing brain surgery due to a disorder he has had since birth. My brain knew the right answer to the question, but my emotions were screaming in agreement with my non-believing neighbor.

Have you ever felt that God makes mistakes? My neighbor viewed the world, and it’s chaos as God making a mistake. I saw my son’s disability as a mistake. But the Scriptures tell us that He does not make mistakes.

“I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” Isaiah 46:9-10

God has never made a mistake. Nothing surprises Him, and He has a purpose for everything. He knows the beginning from the end, and He is fully in control of all our circumstances and situations.

I can’t see the full picture of how God will redeem a world that feels chaotic, but I believe He will, and I see Him at work in it even now. God did not make a mistake with my son, and I have had the privilege of seeing the way God has used his story and experiences to bring glory to Jesus and to touch the hearts and lives of others.

Reflect: Read Isaiah 46. Is there anything in your life that you or others viewed as a mistake, but God has used to be a part of your faith story? Looking back, how has God used it for His glory?

Respond: Share your faith story with someone today. Allow others to hear of God’s amazing redemption through what some would consider a mistake.

We look forward to your comments and questions below!