For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
Isaiah 14:27
Do you ever feel as if God is losing the battle and that the enemy seems to have the upper hand?
The verse above was used by Isaiah to refer to the plan of God to destroy Israel’s enemies. It implied at that time that God was Almighty, Sovereign, Omnipotent, Purposeful and Invincible. Attributes that would encourage the Israelites to trust Him to do what He said He will do especially when it appeared otherwise. However these are not attributes about God’s character of just yesterday. They remain attributes of God today as He is the Lord who does not change (Malachi 3:6). As we live in a rapidly evolving world that at times feels chaotic and dark, we may find ourselves questioning, God are you still in control? Thankfully, God has placed throughout His word many reminders that no matter what we experience, see or hear, no one can thwart the purposes of God.
Joseph
Thrown in a pit. Sold off by his family. Years in prison. The dreams of Joseph seemed like a fantasy that would never materialize. Approximately 13 years after having those teenage dreams of being in a place of authority, Joseph became a powerful leader in Egypt. It would not be surprising if he experienced moments of doubt, fear, anger and disappointment as life resembled nothing like the dreams he had years before. But those emotions did not stop God from fulfilling His plan for Joseph’s life which were also part of God’s plan for the Israelite community. Only later could Joseph see the bigger picture of it all and was able to express confidently and humbly:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Genesis 50:20 NIV
Even jealous brothers could not stop God’s purposes for Joseph’s life. Instead God used their wicked scheme to elevate Joseph to the very place God needed Joseph to be. This is the same God who can do the same in our lives today when we encounter those who try to derail us from the paths God has ordained for us to walk. All is not lost because someone else has another plan for our lives.
Moses
Born while Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male babies was in full swing. Miraculously escaped death when rescued by the Pharaoh’s daughter. Grew up with all the privileges of Egyptian royalty. Saw the plight of his people and decided to do something about it. However his plan went south and he ran for his life from Egypt and found himself in the desert where he started a new life with a new family and lived happily ever after… not!
Moses recognized that he had been placed in a unique position to help his fellow Hebrews. He implemented his own plan not knowing that God had a plan already in mind for him. I can imagine he left Egypt feeling like a failure because he could not help his people. So when God came knocking years later through a burning bush, Moses found it difficult to accept that he was the one chosen for this purpose. Not only had he failed previously, he now saw himself as unequipped and powerless to do the mighty task being asked of him. But he was now ready in his humble condition to be used by God to reveal His sovereignty and power.
But the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord."
Exodus 6:1-2 ESV
Sometimes our hearts are aligned with God’s desires but we rush ahead to fulfil His purposes in our ways and timing. And when we fail, as we attempt to do it in our own strength, it does not mean that we have thwarted His purposes in that matter forever. We just need to wait to do it in His way and His time instead.
Jesus Christ
Have you ever noticed how many times Jesus’ life was threatened while He lived here on earth? There were many attempted plans to kill Jesus, starting from infancy and in the end it seemed like the enemy won. But today, we know otherwise. What seemed like an evil intent concocted by men, was instead a pre-ordained part of God’s purpose for Jesus’ life.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him…
Isaiah 53:10 ESV
…but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world…
1 Peter 1:19-20 NIV
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
Acts 2:22-23 NIV
Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Acts 4:27-28 NIV
Finally consider this …
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV
Considerations 