God’s Sovereign Plan
The Lord Almighty has sworn this oath: “It will all happen as I have planned. It will come about according to my purposes. . . . I have a plan for the whole earth, for my mighty power reaches throughout the world. The Lord Almighty has spoken—who can change his plans? When his hand moves, who can stop him?” Isaiah 14:24-27
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When our plans are upended or our dreams are shattered, when we feel as if we have lost it all, these verses in Isaiah encourage us to turn to the Lord, whose plans cannot be frustrated. Even when we have seen our plans and dreams go astray or crumble, God still has a plan for the whole world—and for us. How comforting to remember that nothing can change God’s plans! His purposes always stand. His hand stretches out and moves in the earth, and no one can turn it back or stop him.
In the face of the worst tragedy or disaster, remember that God has a sovereign plan for the whole earth, for our nation, for every nation of the world, and for each one of us individually. That is why we can cry out to God in confidence, knowing that he will fulfill his purposes for each of us, for our families, and for our world.
Prayers:
How I praise you, FATHER, for your sovereignty, your eternal unshakable stability, and for your perfect wisdom and purpose. In the face of my broken dreams or disappointed plans, how thankful I am for your Word. In it I find deep and wonderful encouragement that nothing can thwart your purposes. And I know you will accomplish your perfect plans for my life.
Quotes:
GOD’S PLANS, LIKE LILIES PURE AND WHITE, UNFOLD. WE MUST NOT TEAR THE CLOSE-SHUT LEAVES APART. TIME WILL REVEAL THE CALYXES OF GOLD.
Mary Riley Smith (1842–1927)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Isaiah 12:1–14:32; 2 Corinthians 13:1-13; Psalm 57:1-11 and Proverbs 23:9-11.
