Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken’ (Is. 40:2-5).

“It is an evident sign of the sovereign providence of God (however we understand or fail to understand it) that when he has purposes of grace, all things from nature to the angelic world conduce (contribute) towards the accomplishment of his will. We do not need, or ought not, to believe in a fussy Diety, forever meddling with his own creation to achieve his purposes. His control of all that he has made, including rebellious and fallen elements, is of such masterely order that all evil and sin is perfectly employed and nothing is wasted.

Was every due detail envisaged (conceived) from the beginning, so that everything is weighted to a nicety (exactness), and yet within that framework we are really free to choose amiss? What superlative governance, what marvelous control! What have we to fear, to whom the Lord desires to speak comfortably and tenderly? Whether we think so or not, the weather and the very hills and valleys are co-operating with him. At least they are in his hand to do so. They certainly do not oppose him in furthering the highest interests of his favourites of all creation.” (Still, 2006)

Still, William (2006) “Through The Year With William Still” May 2, The Banner of Truth Trust and Rutherford House,pg.137.