Wednesday, December 4, 2013

You Are a Work in Progress

“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
Our text for today asks a couple of questions.
To paraphrase the first one: When God purposes to do something who can stop Him?
It is such an interesting question; not only for what it asks but also for what it does not ask.
It does not ask “…who thinks they can thwart Him.”
If that were the question then the answer would probably be: lots of people!
I think of Balak offering riches to Balaam to curse Gods’ people.
He didn’t thwart Gods’ purposes!
I think of Goliath – who scoffed at Gods’ shepherd boy, David.
He didn’t thwart Gods’ purposes!
I think of King Darius who had Daniel thrown into the lions’ den.
He didn’t thwart God’s purposes!
I think of the devil who wrongly thought crucifying Jesus was a victory.
He didn’t thwart God’s purposes.
No doubt in each case they thought they had a great plan.
They thought they would thwart Gods’ purposes.
They thought they would turn back Gods’ outstretched hand.
What has God purposed in your life?
What has He spoken that has not yet come to pass?
Let me ask you: Who can thwart Him?
Who can turn back His hand outstretched over your life?
Does that assurance strengthen you?
It should!
I am so encouraged when I bring this verse from Isaiah together with Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Be strengthened in the knowledge that God will complete His work in you!

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