God’s Unstoppable Purpose
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9 (ESV)
Over the last eighteen months or so, I’ve been journaling through the Bible daily, one book and one chapter at a time, diving deeply into God’s Word in ways I’ve never experienced before. Now that I’m 45 books through the 66 books in Scripture, this is an exercise I would highly encourage anyone who desires a more intimate relationship with the Word to try. It takes time, and requires intention, but the rewards are immeasurable.
This week, I will explore a common theme running through Scripture – that nothing nor anyone can stop God’s purpose.
God’s Purposes Cannot Be Stopped
A common theme has jumped out at me during this study. The Biblical story, as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation, is the truth that God’s purposes will never be thwarted. This true both in Scripture and in our lives.
Consider the countless testimonies of individuals who have overcome insurmountable odds through faith. Whether it’s healing from terminal illness, provision in times of financial hardship, or restoration of broken relationships, modern-day miracles continue to testify to God’s active presence and sovereign power in the lives of believers.
Or think about the Gospel’s global spread, despite centuries of persecution and opposition. In countries where Christianity is suppressed, the church not only survives but often thrives, demonstrating that the message of Jesus Christ cannot be silenced.
All of these are clear indications that when God ordains something, no human effort or opposition can prevail against it.
The Inspirational Example of the Apostles
The narrative in Acts 5, particularly the story of Peter and the other apostles being freed from prison by an angel of the Lord, is specifically enlightening. This story stands as a powerful testament to the sovereignty and providence of God in accomplishing His purposes.
Despite being jailed for preaching about Jesus, the apostles were miraculously released and continued to preach in the temple courts, boldly proclaiming the message of life. Their story reinforces the idea that if God is for something, no one can possibly stop it.
Further in Acts, Luke records an event in the apostle Paul’s life that offers another example of how God’s Will perseveres even through suffering. When God called Paul from being the church’s persecutor to be a gospel preacher, the Lord showed him how much he would suffer for the sake of his name yet would overcome (Acts 9:10–16).
God’s Will Was Present from the Beginning
The story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 showcases how God’s plans prevail despite human intentions. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s journey was fraught with adversity. Yet, these circumstances led to his eventual rise to power in Egypt, where he was instrumental in saving not only the Egyptian nation but also his own family from famine.
Another compelling example is found in the book of Daniel, specifically Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s image. Their miraculous preservation amidst the flames serves as a powerful testament to God’s ability to protect and deliver those who trust in Him, even in the face of certain death.
God’s Will was perhaps nowhere more powerfully demonstrated than through the life and ministry of Jesus. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Despite persecution, the early church grew exponentially, illustrating that God’s plan for the redemption of humanity through the church could not be thwarted by any power, human or demonic.
How We Find and Apply God’s Unstoppable Purpose
What does this mean for us today as modern Believers? Is God’s Will still as powerful in our lives as it was in the lives of those in the Bible?
Today it is as important if not even more so than any time in history that we maintain a steadfast faith in God’s sovereignty and a trust in His ultimate authority over our lives. When faced with challenges or opposition, whether in personal circumstances or in the pursuit of God-given visions, we are reminded that if God is for us, nothing can stand against us (Romans 8:31).
This assurance enables us to face uncertainties and difficulties with confidence, not in our own strength, but in the knowledge that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. Here are three key steps to applying this principle:
First, we must seek God’s will through prayer and Scripture (Matthew 6:33, Deuteronomy 4:29)
Next, we must align our desires with His, not rely on our wants and needs (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 19:14)
Then, as we move forward in obedience, we can rest in the promise that God will accomplish His purposes through us, overcoming any obstacle that may arise (Ephesians 1:4-5, Philippians 1:6)
This doesn’t mean we won’t face opposition or hardship, but rather that, in the midst of these challenges, we can be confident that God’s will is unstoppable.
Moving Forward in Faith and Confidence
As Believers, we are invited to participate in this divine narrative, trusting in God’s sovereignty and aligning ourselves with His unstoppable purposes. Let us, therefore, move forward in faith, encouraged by the truth that if God is for it, who could possibly stop it?
May God always guide your path.