Ministry

Unmasking the Lie: When "God’s Will" Hurts the Least

A bold exploration of how the Church can unintentionally harm the marginalized by misusing “God’s will,” calling for genuine love and humility in serving the overlooked.

Unmasking the Lie: When "God’s Will" Hurts the Least

Esther Kobernic

Oct 30, 2025
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No matter how much we read Scripture, the same lie, wrapped up as God, can pull us away from God. I wrote this originally in 2022. Yet, this same thing occurs often both individual and corporate Church.

When the Church Forgets the Least of These

40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:40 ESV

It’s heartbreaking how often the Church today fails to reflect the love of Jesus in its community. Jesus could not have been clearer — how we treat the poor, the hurting, and the overlooked is how we treat Him.

When He shared this truth, Jesus wasn’t just teaching a lesson; He gave us a glimpse into the Heavenly realm — a rare moment in Scripture, meant to show how deeply this matters to God. Yet so few pay attention.

The Beautiful Lie: “It’s God’s Will”

Over the years, I’ve recognized one of Satan’s most deceptive lies — the phrase “It’s God’s will.” It’s used to justify harm, spiritual neglect, or cold-heartedness. I can almost hear the serpent hiss behind those words.

20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Isaiah 5:20 ESV

I’ve never been one to freeload — not out of pride, but purpose. Even with health challenges, I know God expects me to bring value wherever He places me. Not financial value, but the quiet, unseen kind — the Proverbs 31 type of faithfulness that makes life lighter for others.

But often, that’s not appreciated. When someone “takes care of me,” I’m expected to feel indebted. And when I leave, the story becomes, “She demanded too much — it must be God’s will.” That’s not the voice of Jesus. That’s the serpent twisting truth.

Gratitude Is Not Debt

I’ve had people tell me to be “more grateful.” The truth is, I am grateful. But gratitude doesn’t mean I owe anyone my worth.

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Jesus never called the poor or the broken to live in debt to those who helped them. He called us all to serve as equals, bearing one another’s burdens — not tallying who owes what. When the Church forgets that, we stop reflecting Christ.

Hearing the Serpent’s Hiss

About a month ago, I sensed the Holy Spirit preparing me for change. I didn’t yet understand, but I could hear manipulation creeping into conversations — a hiss disguised as holy counsel. Still, the Spirit said only, “Be prepared.”

Yesterday, He revealed His plan: a vehicle I didn’t expect, provided miraculously. God’s timing reminded me — His plan doesn’t always mean it was His will for me to suffer. But He redeems every step.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 ESV

God’s plan leads us toward purpose. The enemy’s counterfeit “will” leads us into guilt and dependency.

When Love Becomes a Project

Many people I’ve met in ministry have been made to feel like a project, not a person. That’s not Jesus.

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:9–10 ESV

When we treat others as projects, we become the very obstacle Jesus came to remove. We present a cruel version of Christ — one that never existed and never will.

To the one who’s been treated as “less than”: You are not a project. You are a beloved child of God. Your worth isn’t measured by what you can give, but by the One who gave Himself for you.

Forgive, Release, and Follow God’s Plan

If you’ve given what you could, within your means and gifts, don’t let anyone convince you that you are lesser. Let the lack of “thank you” be God’s gift — a reminder that your reward is eternal.

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 ESV

Forgive freely — because forgiveness protects your heart. But don’t cling to relationships that twist your purpose or diminish your calling. Walk on in peace.

If someone insists it was “God’s will” to cast you aside, listen carefully. You might hear the serpent hiss. Then lift your eyes — and follow God’s plan, not man’s excuse.

About Esther Kobernic

For many years I walked the road of houselessness, not by rebellion but by necessity, as my body wrestled with MCAS, POTS, Dysautonomia, and hEDS. Yet even in those wandering places, the Lord became my shelter and my teacher. Among the disabled and elderly nomadic community, I learned a gospel lived, not just spoken. And from those deserts, God formed in me a heart to serve, encourage, and build His people in love.

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