This morning I sat down to finish a reading plan I have been doing for the past month. As usual, I studied through the passages before I read the “devotional”. I wanna hear what God says to me before I read what He said to someone else. Anyway, I worked my way through the Scripture passages and finished up by reading the devotional, which used Psalm 46:10 as its “key” verse. Huh? That wasn’t one of the listed Scripture passages. What gives?
Well, what do you know; there was a typo in the list of passages. Among the list of verses was Isaiah 46:10 and not Psalm 46:10. I didn’t realize the typo until after I had dissected all the passages listed.
What was an “oops” for man was an “on purpose” for God.
God knew that I needed to study through Isaiah 46:10, and He met my need by using a typo. I LOVE when I see God’s fingerprints on my day!!! He is totally able to turn typos to treasures!!!
“Declaring the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times
things which have not been done, saying
‘My purpose will be established,
and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’.”
When I first read through this verse, I was in “huh?” mode. To be perfectly transparent, I struggled this morning keeping my mind engaged, but boy am I glad that I persevered. Let me share some “word stuff” before I close with my takeaways.
The word “declaring” (nāḡaḏ) is participle active, (denoting it is actively on-going), and it means to be conspicuous; to tell or make known. The “end” (aḥărîṯ) means the last, or the future. The “beginning” (rē’šîṯ) means the first in place, time, order or rank; the first phase, step, or element in the course of events. “From ancient times” (qeḏem) means from of old or aforetime. “Saying” (āmar) is also participle active, and means to say, to answer, to say in one’s heart; to think, to command, to promise, to intend. “Will be established” (qûm) is imperfect, denoting it is continuous or open-ended, and it means to be accomplished, be fulfilled. “I will accomplish” (ʿāśâ), also imperfect, means to do, make, to act with effect. “My good pleasure” (ḥēp̄eṣ) means desire; concretely, a valuable thing; a matter or purpose of mind.
Ok, I know that was a lot of information, but here are my takeaways.
God is in charge and His plans will never cease to be fulfilled.
Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel of the Lord will stand.
~~Proverbs 19:21~~
God knows the end of a matter as clearly as we see the beginning of it. Worrying about things is truly a waste of energy.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
~~Luke 12:25~~
God isn’t just watching the parade of history, He’s directing the parade! (David Guzik)
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
~~Proverbs 16:9~~
We must remember. There are so many times when we don’t know what God’s up to. It’s then that we must look back and remember past deliverances. We must rest in the character and faithfulness of God. He is in control.
Remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
~~Isaiah 46:9~~
GOD’S GOT THIS!!!!
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you;
He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
~~Deuteronomy 31:8~~