Preventive action refers to the idea that God intervenes to prevent certain events from occurring, even if they seem inevitable or necessary. This can manifest in various ways, such as thwarting a potential disaster or steering an individual away from a harmful path.
One example of preventive action in the Bible is the story of Abraham and Isaac. God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham prepares to do so, but at the last moment, God intervenes and provides a ram for sacrifice instead. This act of divine prevention protected Isaac’s life and demonstrated God’s and love.
Another instance of divine prevention is the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him and plot to kill him, but instead, they sell him into slavery. Despite the hardships Joseph faces, he eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt and is able to help his family during a time of famine. This chain of events may have seemed like coincidence, but it is clear that God was intervening to prevent Joseph from being killed and to use him for a greater purpose.
Preventive action is not limited to the Bible; it can also be seen in everyday life. For example, a person may be spared from a car accident because they took a different route home, or someone may avoid a relationship that could have ended badly because they felt a sense of unease. These small instances of prevention may seem insignificant, but they demonstrate that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding us and protecting us.
However, one may argue that if God intervenes to prevent negative events from occurring, then why do tragedies still happen? This is a legitimate question, and the answer lies in the concept of free will. God has given humans the ability to make choices, and sometimes those choices may lead to negative consequences. However, God’s interventions are not limited to just preventing disasters; He also provides comfort and strength to those who suffer, and He can use even the darkest situations for good.
In conclusion, the preventive acts of divine will should not be overlooked in discussions of God’s intervention in the world. These acts demonstrate His active involvement in our lives and His desire to protect us from harm. While we may not always understand why certain events occur, we can take comfort in knowing that God is working behind the scenes to prevent the worst from happening. As the Psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).