To know what is God's purpose and to abide by it has been the prayer of humanity wherever trust in Him and belief in His care for His creation have been nurtured. And proof, in big things as in little, of these words of Isaiah has been experienced: "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. . . . For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?" Here the divine decree upon all that opposeth itself to the will of wisdom is set forth.
Bewilderment and ignorance of the meaning of omnipotence in a world of unbelief and materiality have prevented permanent establishment of the divine purpose in men's lives. And thus it has been that despite the teachings of Jesus, the prophets, and all who came proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord, men have continued to seek help in material means, and to turn their faces to the wall in resignation or despair. They have continued to pray, yet often in questioning and in divided allegiance.
Nevertheless the purpose of God knows no even momentary disannulling; His arm is not even temporarily turned back. There is no weakening of the divine power, no slackening of divine Love.
