Not Ours; But His Will and Way Is Done On Earth

In God, whose word I praise;

In God I have put my trust;

I shall not fear.

What can mere man do to me?

All day long they twist my words and say hurtful things;

All their thoughts are against me for evil.

They attack, they hide and lurk,

They watch my steps,

As they have [expectantly] waited to take my life. (Psalm 56:4-6)

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. (Genesis 50:20)

For it is better that you suffer [unjustly] for doing what is right, if that should be God’s will, than [to suffer justly] for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)

After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, this finds favor with God.

For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. (1 Peter 2:20-21)

Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith]. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.

Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy.

If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling in you]. (1 Peter 4:13-14)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (Matthew 5:10) Let the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:7-8) All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, What have You done? (Daniel 4:35)

The LORD of Armies himself has planned it; therefore, who can stand in its way? It is his hand that is outstretched, so who can turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27) O LORD, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself; It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life]. (Jeremiah 10:23)

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. (Proverbs 16:9)

Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the LORD. How then can a man [fully] understand his way? (Proverbs 20:24)

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. (Psalm 37:23)

Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, My purpose will be established, And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose. (Isaiah 46:10)

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. ( Romans 8:28)

And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory. (Romans 8:17)

He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.

In Him also we have received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will. (Ephesians 1:9,11)

This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great. (Isaiah 28:29)

But [only] with Him are [perfect] wisdom and might; He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding. (Job 12:13) For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light. (Colossians 1:9-12)

My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

The LORD of hosts has sworn [an oath], saying, Just as I have intended, so it has certainly happened, and just as I have planned, so it will stand. (Isaiah 14:24)