Connect Isaiah 7:7 with Romans 8:28 regarding God's plans for His people. Setting the Scene • Isaiah 7:7 finds Judah threatened by the combined armies of Aram (Syria) and Israel. King Ahaz is terrified, but the LORD sends Isaiah with this simple declaration: “But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen.’” • Centuries later, Paul writes to Roman believers enduring persecution: “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God’s Veto Power Over Human Schemes • In Isaiah’s day, powerful kings drew up military strategies, yet God’s word overruled every plan. • Proverbs 19:21 backs this up: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • The Lord’s “It will not happen” shows absolute sovereignty; no alliance, weapon, or circumstance can escape His control. From Ancient Jerusalem to Every Believer: The Common Thread • Isaiah 7:7 proves God’s commitments to His covenant people cannot be sabotaged. • Romans 8:28 applies the same principle personally: whatever touches God’s people—joys, sorrows, successes, threats—must pass through His hands and will ultimately serve their good. • The bridge between the verses is God’s unchanging character. He is both willing and able to steer history—and individual lives—toward His redemptive ends. Romans 8:28 – The Cosmic Perspective • “All things” includes victories (Romans 8:37), hardships (8:35), and even apparent defeats. • The promise is restricted to “those who love Him”—people with a new birth relationship to God through Christ. • “Called according to His purpose” links back to Isaiah 7: God’s purpose governs nations and households alike. Three Anchors for Our Hearts 1. God’s Declaration Cannot Fail – Isaiah 55:11: “So My word… will not return to Me void.” 2. God’s Purposes Are Good – Jeremiah 29:11: “Plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” 3. God’s Control Is Comprehensive – Ephesians 1:11: “He works out everything according to the counsel of His will.” How These Truths Shape Daily Living • Courage: Threats that seem overwhelming “will not arise” beyond what God permits. • Patience: Delays or detours are ingredients God mixes for our eventual good. • Worship: Seeing His hand in every scene moves us to constant gratitude. • Steadfast Hope: Tomorrow is never at the mercy of random chance; it is nestled in providence. Cascading Promises: More Scriptures That Echo the Theme • Psalm 33:10-11 – God nullifies nations’ plans, but His counsel stands forever. • Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do all things, and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” • 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 – God’s hidden wisdom culminates in blessing for those who love Him. • 2 Timothy 1:9 – His saving purpose was set “before time began.” God’s pronouncement in Isaiah 7:7 and Paul’s assurance in Romans 8:28 together paint one seamless picture: the LORD’s sovereign, benevolent purpose prevails—over kingdoms, crises, and the smallest details of each believer’s life. |
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