Chapter 20

God’s Plans for His People

Sections

God has wonderful plans and purposes for his people. Many of these concern the work he does through his people, with his incomparably great power. As this chapter shows, God promises to fulfill these plans and purposes – equipping and guiding his people accordingly.

Basics

God has plans and purposes for his people

[David, to God:] You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all—their number is so great!   Psalms 40:5b GNT

For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died and was laid to rest with his ancestors, and so he experienced decay.   Acts 13:36 ISV

In spite of their troubles, God will fulfill his purposes for them

[David:] Though I walk straight into trouble, you [God] preserve my life, stretching out your hand to fight the vehemence of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8The Lord will complete what his purpose is for me.   Psalms 138:7-8a ISV

For the Lord says, ‘Only when the seventy years of Babylonian rule are over will I again take up consideration for you. Then I will fulfill my gracious promise to you and restore you to your homeland. 11For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.   Jeremiah 29:10-11 NET

Despite his people’s exile in Babylon and the apparent decimation of Israel as a nation, God would fulfill his promise and plans for them.

God’s Work for His People to Do

God’s plans for his people include work for them to do

[Paul, to believers:] God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.   Ephesians 2:10 GW

God makes them willing and able to do his work

[Paul, to believers:] God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him.   Philippians 2:13 CEV

God has great power for his people in doing his work

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was on them all.   Acts 4:33 ISV

God’s Guidance of His People

God guides his people always

[God, to his people:] The Lord will continually guide you and satisfy you even in sun-baked places.   Isaiah 58:11a GW

Note that the Bible speaks of God guiding his people in fulfilling his plans and purposes for them. More particularly, it tells of God guiding them in: living righteous lives; doing his work; and making choices in other matters.

God guides them in difficult circumstances

[Moses, to the Israelites:] He was the one who led you through that vast and dangerous desert—a thirsty and arid land, with poisonous snakes and scorpions.   Deuteronomy 8:15a GW

[David:] When I am ready to give up, he knows what I should do.   Psalms 142:3 GNT

The implication of the second clause is that God not only knows but also guides in what one should do.

Pray for persecuted Christians