God's Plan is NOT Stopped by Our Choices

Photo by Xenja Santarelli

Scripture: Acts 13:46

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

Insights: Today’s verse gives me a great deal of comfort.  As we learned Monday, it is God’s desire for everyone to enter into a relationship with Him.  At the same time, however, we learned yesterday that He gives us all a choice to accept or reject Him.  Now that we have this foundation, let me explain why this verse is a comfort for me.  God had chosen the people of Israel to be His very own special people group.  He had commissioned them to share His love with a world.  The problem was the children of Israel never truly grasped what the Lord had wanted form them.  As a result, they became inwardly focused regarding their position and relationship with the Lord.  They thought God was for them only and they were unwilling to let others into their circle.  The sad part is in this particular passage that same sentiment is still being expressed.  What’s even sadder is that mentality is still present to this very day even though their Messiah has extended grace to everyone who will receive Him.  This last part of the preceding sentence is the point I am trying to express.  Even though the children of Israel were charged with proclamation and they did not accept that charge, God’s plan was not stopped.  He still sent His Son, Jesus.  He still drew on the Israelite nation, but He also used converted followers of Jesus to spread the message of grace to the Gentile world.  His plan had always been for the redemption of the world and no matter how many people try to stop this plan, it is going to happen in His timing and in His way.  This reality gives my heart a great deal of comfort and joy.  God is going to bring His plan to pass and nothing can stop it, praise the Lord!

Questions:

1. When you understand God’s eternal plan is not going to be stopped, what emotions does that evoke in you?

2. Have you been one who has at times attempted to thwart God’s activities?

Prayer: Father, it gives me great comfort to know You are going to accomplish Your plan in Your way and in Your time.  Help me to grow in this grace and trust You more for the completion of Your plan.  Amen.

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