I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
 I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’       Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)

“Toward all this, God is moving with infinite wisdom and perfect precision of action.  No one can dissuade Him from His purposes; nothing turn Him aside from His plans.  Since He is omniscient, there can be no unforeseen circumstances, no accidents.”                                      Becoming a Woman of Purpose by Cynthia Heald

Do you think God has a grand plan for you?  Do you think it is all laid out just waiting for you to take on?  Do you think God is on schedule or tardy; like a disrespectful date? 

Tonight, I had a very interesting discussion with the ladies of my Woman’s bible study.  We are reading A Woman of Purpose by Cynthia Heald.  In chapter four the topic of the sovereign rule of God is discussed.  Our discussion tonight covered aspects of free will and whether there is Divine Intervention.  If there is Divine Intervention how can we still have free will since God is going to get what He wants no matter what? 

Consider the story of Jonah.  God had plans to use him to warn the Ninevites.  Jonah did not want the job and turned tail.  His choice to go in the opposite direction of where God had asked him to go is an example of free will…. And rebellion. 

However, God had a plan for Jonah, so not even his free will and disobedience could interfere with it.  Isaiah 46:10 tells us that the purposes of God will stand and that He will do as He so pleases. 

As I see it, God allowed Jonah to waste His time when he decided to ignore God’s instructions.  Our Creator provided a whale and the means for Jonah to get back on track, with a more submissive and obedient heart.  Was there Divine Intervention in this story?  In order for God to accomplish His purpose and fulfill the call on Job’s life, He sent a whale.  Hmmm Yes, I think that qualifies as Godly Intervention.

I am still considering all the discussion ideas of tonight, but I am so thankful I have mature and Godly women from my church who want to discuss such meaty matters.  Maybe the idea of free will and how it fits into God’s plans of concrete is beyond my comprehension.  Down here we only see things imperfectly.  In heaven we will understand and grasp those things that are now too great for our minds. 

But as the Bereans searched the Word for answers, let us take on their example and do the same.  We don’t have to know all of the mysteries of God, but it is great to strive for more knowledge and understanding. 

I know God has a plan for you Dear Reader.  I know you have free will.  I also know that the plan He has for you will not go unfulfilled, as the Word also tells us that He is faithful to complete that work that He has begun in you.

Maybe you are in the midst of a storm.  Maybe your trial has left you exhausted and you are sitting down on your path; your journey suspended.  Perhaps you are like Jonah and have been running away from the call God has on your life.  You have free will and God is very loving and patient. He will wait and allow you (SOME) time to get back on track.  However, if you hesitate too long He will certainly provide circumstances to get your attention.  His motive (besides love) is to direct you back to the call and purpose He has created you for in this life.  His plans never fail. 

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.                                   Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”   Job 42:2 (NIV)