In the Bible, “intended” often refers to a purpose or plan established by God or individuals towards a particular goal or outcome. It emphasizes the notion of divine or personal volition in actions and decisions, as seen in verses that discuss God’s desires or human intentions.
Scripture
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Biblical Meaning of “Intended”
In the Biblical context, the concept of “intended” carries profound implications regarding God’s sovereignty and human agency. Throughout scripture, God is depicted as having intention behind His creation and interactions with humanity. For instance, Isaiah 14:24 states, “The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,” which underscores the certainty and authority of God’s plans. Likewise, Jeremiah 29:11 conveys God’s intentions for His people: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Here, “intended” reflects both God’s care and foresight regarding human existence, showing that He desires to lead humanity toward fulfillment and well-being.
On a human level, intentions play a critical role in moral and ethical decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, which states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” This verse suggests that while humans may have intentions and desires, the ultimate direction of life is guided by God’s overarching purpose. The interplay between divine intention and human purpose is encapsulated in Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” This reinforces the idea that human intentions are meaningful when aligned with God’s plans, urging believers to seek out and understand God’s will as a critical aspect of their existence. Ultimately, the notion of “intended” in the Bible illustrates a tapestry of divine intent intertwined with human action, encouraging a reflective approach to living in accordance with God’s purposes.
Further exploring the theme of “intended” within the Scripture invites a deeper reflection on the relationship between divine intention and the unfolding of human experiences. The book of Genesis provides a foundational perspective on this concept, particularly in the narrative of Joseph. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph speaks to his brothers, saying, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” This poignant moment exemplifies the dual nature of human intention vis-à-vis divine purpose. While his brothers acted with harmful intent, God’s overarching design transformed their actions into a catalyst for greater good. This narrative illustrates how human intentions, even those that seem maleficent, can be reinterpreted within a divine framework that continues to promote life and healing.
Moreover, the New Testament encapsulates the essence of “intended” through the life and mission of Jesus Christ. His entrance into the world, the incarnation, is an embodiment of God’s intention to restore humanity. In Luke 19:10, Jesus states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This passage highlights a clear divine intention aimed at salvation and reconciliation. Jesus’ ministry reveals that God’s intentions are not merely abstract plans but dynamically engaged with the lives of individuals, manifesting as active love and grace. The interplay between the intended divine mission and the human response throughout biblical narratives underscores the call for believers to march forward with intention in their faith, striving to align their daily actions with the broader purposes God has for their lives. In this regard, understanding “intended” becomes an invitation to acknowledge and participate in the unfolding narrative of divine love manifested through human action.
Divine Purpose and Sovereignty
In the biblical context, the term “intended” often reflects God’s overarching plan and purpose for creation and humanity. It signifies that God has a specific intention behind His actions and decrees, demonstrating His sovereignty over all events. This understanding emphasizes that nothing occurs by chance; rather, everything unfolds according to God’s divine will, which is ultimately aimed at fulfilling His purposes for the world and His people.
Human Agency and Responsibility
The concept of “intended” also encompasses the idea of human agency and the responsibilities that come with it. While God has a plan, individuals are called to make choices that align with His intentions. This duality highlights the importance of human decisions in the unfolding of God’s will, suggesting that while God may have a specific intention for each person, it is up to them to act in accordance with that purpose. This interplay between divine intention and human action underscores the significance of moral responsibility in the biblical narrative.
Redemption and Restoration
Another broader meaning of “intended” in the Bible relates to the themes of redemption and restoration. Throughout scripture, God’s intentions often focus on bringing healing and reconciliation to a broken world. This aspect of “intended” reflects God’s desire for humanity to return to a state of harmony with Him and with one another. It signifies that God’s plans are not only about judgment but also about grace, offering hope and a future where restoration is possible through faith and obedience.
How to Align Your Life with God’s Will
Aligning your life with God’s will is a deeply personal journey that requires both introspection and action. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; the Bible is filled with wisdom that can guide your decisions and shape your heart. Prayer is essential—it’s not just about asking for guidance, but also about listening for God’s voice in the quiet moments. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable. Reflect on your passions and talents, as they often point to the unique purpose God has for you. Remember, aligning with God’s will isn’t about perfection; it’s about a sincere desire to grow closer to Him and to serve others with love and humility. Trust that as you take these steps, God will illuminate your path and help you navigate the complexities of life with grace.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Intended”:
Jeremiah 29:10-14: 10 “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.”
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Romans 8:28-30: 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Ephesians 1:9-12: 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Isaiah 55:8-11: 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,”
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Proverbs 19:20-21: 20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Acts 2:22-24: 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
1 Peter 1:18-21: 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Job 42:1-6: 1 Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 Therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.”
Psalm 33:10-11: 10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
1 Corinthians 2:6-10: 6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
Philippians 2:12-13: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
James 1:16-18: 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
2 Timothy 1:8-10: 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.