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Today's Devotional

My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please —Isaiah 46:10 (NIV).

The purpose of God cannot be frustrated. His holy mind can never be disappointed. His will is law. His counsel must stand. He is in one mind, and none can turn him. He takes pleasure in them that fear him, and in them that hope in his mercy. He chose them to salvation in Jesus, according to the good pleasure of his will. He works in us to will, and to do, of his good pleasure. He will fulfil in us all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. He is PLEASED to save his people with an everlasting salvation. He is PLEASED with our obedience to his precepts. It is our Father’s good pleasure that gives us the kingdom. He accomplishes the purposes of his will by angels— they are his ministers, which do his pleasure; by men, good and bad; by devils; by Jesus Christ; the pleasure of the Lord prospers in his hand. For his pleasure all things are and were created; and he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Let us seek to be like-minded with our God; let us acquiesce in all that pleases him, and let us take pleasure in glorifying him.

God moves in a mysterious way,
   His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
   And rides upon the storm:
     His power and wisdom will fulfil
     The utmost counsel of his will.

About the author and the source

Rev. James Smith was a Baptist preacher and the predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London (1841–1850). His devotional, The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, was so popular, it had gone through 38 editions by 1864. The hymn stanza is by William Cowper.