God’s promises of guidance

All God’s intentions will be realised

God has purposes

Isaiah 14:27 LEB

For Yahweh of hosts has planned, and who will frustrate it? And his hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

See also Ro 8:28; Je 23:20; 2 Ti 1:9; Job 36:5; Is 55:10–11; Heb 6:17; Eph 3:10–11

Romans 8:28 LEB

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose,

Jeremiah 23:20 LEB

The anger of Yahweh will not turn back until his doing and until his keeping the plans of his mind. In latter days you will look closely at it with understanding.

2 Timothy 1:9 LEB

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

Job 36:5 LEB

Look, God is mighty but does not despise anyone; he is mighty and good in understanding.

Isaiah 55:10–11 LEB

For just as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and they do not return there except they have watered the earth thoroughly and cause it to bring forth and sprout, and give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall be my word that goes out from my mouth. It shall not return to me without success, but shall accomplish what I desire and be successful in the thing for which I sent it.

Hebrews 6:17 LEB

In the same way God, because he wanted to show even more to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his resolve, guaranteed it with an oath,

Ephesians 3:10–11 LEB

in order that the many-sided wisdom of God might be made known now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places through the church, according to the purpose of the ages which he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,

God has plans

Lamentations 2:17 LEB

Yahweh has done what he has planned; he has fulfilled his promise that he ordained from the days of old; he has demolished and not shown mercy; he has made an enemy rejoice over you, he has exalted the might of your foes.

See also Ps 40:5; Is 14:24; Is 25:1; Pr 16:9; Is 37:26; Ps 33:11

Psalm 40:5 LEB

Many things, O Yahweh my God, you have done— your wonderful deeds and your thoughts toward us. There is none to compare with you. If I tried to proclaim and tell of them, they would be too numerous to count.

Isaiah 14:24 LEB

Yahweh of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely just as I have intended, so it shall be. And just as I have planned, it shall stand:

Isaiah 25:1 LEB

Yahweh, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans of old, in faithfulness, trustworthiness.

Proverbs 16:9 LEB

The mind of a person will plan his ways, and Yahweh will direct his steps.

Isaiah 37:26 LEB

Have you not heard from a long time ago? I have made it from days of primeval time, and I formed it. Now I have brought it about, and it is for fortified cities to collapse into heaps of destroyed stones.

Psalm 33:11 LEB

The plan of Yahweh stands firm forever, the intents of his heart from one generation to the next.

God desires his purposes and plans to be fulfilled

Lk 22:42; Ac 21:14

Luke 22:42 LEB

saying, “Father, if you are willing, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” ⟦

Acts 21:14 LEB

And because he would not be persuaded, we remained silent, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

See also Ac 18:21; Ps 138:8; Jas 4:13–15; 1 Ch 13:2; Ps 57:2; Ro 1:10; Ro 15:32

Examples of God working out his purposes

Acts 2:23 LEB

this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing to a cross through the hand of lawless men.

Babylon and Israel:

Is 46:10–11; Is 48:14

Isaiah 46:10–11 LEB

who from the beginning declares the end, and from before, things that have not been done, who says, ‘My plan shall stand,’ and, ‘I will accomplish all my wishes,’ who calls a bird of prey from the east, the man of his plan from a country from afar. Indeed I have spoken; indeed I will bring it to being. I have formed it; indeed I will do it.

Isaiah 48:14 LEB

Assemble, all of you, and hear! Who among them declared these things? Yahweh loves him; he shall perform his wish against Babylon and his arm against the Chaldeans.

Je 29:10–11 restoration of Israel after the exile; Ac 13:36 David; Ro 9:11–12 Esau and Jacob; Ro 9:17 Pharaoh

God promises to guide Israel and Judah

Exodus 15:13 LEB

In your loyal love you led the people whom you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to the abode of your holiness.

See also Ps 48:14; Eze 34:11–16; Ex 32:34; Is 58:11; Is 49:10; Ps 23:2–3; Lk 1:76–79; Is 30:21; Je 31:8–9