Isaiah 25

Sometimes, all it takes is one verse to knock you over the head with the goodness of God: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” (vs 1)

In my journey through the Bible chapter by chapter, I have run across an interesting phenomenon. A chapter I am reading will highlight a certain characteristic of God’s that I am familiar with—in this case, the fact that He does wonderful things. But then, it will take my understanding a step further, unfolding the beautiful picture of God just a little more.

Maybe you experienced that in the first verse of this chapter as I did. We all know God is faithful, even that He is perfectly faithful. And we all know that God does wonderful things. But then, Isaiah adds that lovely little detail—things planned long ago.

God doesn’t just do nice things on the spur of the moment. He doesn’t just act graciously or carry out wonderful things when the opportunity presents itself. He plans to do wonderful things. He makes opportunities for Himself to do wonderful things for others.

Ah, just one more reason to praise Him! He has planned long ago to be wonderful to us, to be outrageously generous, to bless us beyond belief. This isn’t just something that happens by accident. It is the result of careful and continual planning and preparation.

Right now, this very moment, God is planning wonderful things for you. A thousand years ago, before you or your parents or great-great-great grandparents were ever thought of, God saw you and was planning to be wonderful to you! Today, He has specific ways He is planning to pour out His blessings on you.

He couldn’t wait for you to wake up this morning so He could put His plans into action. He has prepared wonderful things for you today, and He has been planning to spend this day with you for a very long time. I hope you will choose to spend it with Him and delight in all the wonderful things He has planned for you!