To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Catholic Men's Devotionals, An Introduction
To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 1, Day 4 – God's Purposes for Our Lives Prevail
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I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, “My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,”
calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have planned, and I will do it.
Isaiah 46:9–11
Isaiah spoke these words to assure God’s people that the Lord would use the powerful pagan leader Cyrus (whose symbol was an eagle) to restore them to their homeland. The Jews had been taken into captivity because of their sins; yet God’s purposes for their lives would stand. He would bring about the victory. His promise to the ancient Israelites also pointed forward to the coming of Christ, the ultimate source of our salvation. We are part of a wonderful story, spoken into existence from eternity, carried out according to the perfect will of Almighty God.
Just as God has brought us salvation in Jesus, so he guides every aspect of our lives. We sin and stumble on the way, but we can never upset God’s perfect plan. In spite of everything we say and do that is contrary to his eternal will, his plan prevails and will prevail for all eternity. As we take our many daily godly decisions and lay them at the throne of God’s grace, we can be certain that he will bring them to fruition according to his wonderful design. What an awesome blessing it is to be able to participate in such a wonderful legacy of love and faithfulness!
Questions for reflection
Have you seen God’s purposes for your life unfold even through unusual circumstances? What were those circumstances?
How has learning to trust God changed your relationship with him?
What good work is God doing in your life today that will have a lasting impact on the world?
Praying with Scripture
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, / but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established. (Prv 19:21)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
