The world is a confusing place where we all as humans do our best to survive in a tsunami of disappointment, disaster, and failure. One constant during a lifetime of change is that whenever something doesn't go your way, people will say "It's all part of God's plan. " And this is often true.

I, as a Christian, believe in a God who helps us along the way in life. I agree that it is important, as a Christian, to remain faithful even when the path ahead is unclear because God is all-powerful and omnipresent and can comfort you anywhere. However, I do not think these deep intentions are the true meaning behind this statement. Alike, "God bless you" and "It's all part of God's plan" is a reaction to speech. Because of this, it shouldn't be said as often.

While it is nice to bring your faith and the Lord during troubled times, this short cliche only accomplishes in ending the conversation. Instead of helping the person with the problem to see the road ahead and know that they are loved and supported along the way, this phrase makes the recipient feel alone and that it is not a struggle, but merely part of the plan.

Secondly, I have a problem with this statement because it diminishes your choices. Free will is an elementary part of faith and the purest example of God's love and therefore should not be forgotten for the sake of nice quotations to momentarily comfort a friend. In this time of failure and closed doors, it is important that the person knows that their reaction to what happens to them is more important than what happened to them in the case of improving their lives. By diminishing their choice in the context of their life, you immediately diminish any strive for self-growth (if they listen to your words).

Overall, we need to listen more and correct less, and while I think this statement is well-intentioned, it is not a form of listening.

So next time, don't say the words "It's all part of God's plan." Instead, listen with love.