The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has spoken— who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?”
When the trials and tribulations of life strike the people of God, they may be tempted to wonder if God is in charge. When opposition from the enemies of the people of God seems overwhelming, they may be tempted to question if God is really in control. Does God not know what is happening? Does He not see everything that is going on? And if He does know and see, then is He not able to do anything about it?
The message of Isaiah to the people of God in his time and to the people of God for all time is this: when the Lord makes up His mind, there is nothing in heaven or earth that can either change to its own liking or nullify that plan. And when the Lord raises His hand in order to carry out His plans, no power in heaven or earth can stop Him or turn Him aside.
Given this, the people of God should take comfort. No matter what their situation may be, however dire and grim, the Lord is in control. His plans shall endure. The forces of darkness may form plans and schemes of their own, but they are not able to stop or override what the Lord has ordained. The Lord is lord of the Armies of Heaven. There is nothing that can stand against Him and His angelic host.
The people of God may then rest assured that what they are going through could not happen unless it was part of His plan and unless His wisdom prevailed. God has a purpose in everything He does, and His providence directs all things by His purpose. Although we may question God’s purpose at times, we also know that He “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them,” (Romans 8:28).
If there is anything in the way of God’s plan and purpose for you, it will be cast down. If there is anything that needs to happen to fulfill His plan and purpose for you, it will be lifted up.
Nothing can change His plans; nothing can stop Him.
By John Huisman, Friend of Bible League International
