THURSDAY April 27, 2023
A Plot Revealed
Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Acts 9:23-25
After a time of seclusion, Saul was persecuted––his suffering for Christ had begun. The Jews had lost a prime Pharisee––a loyalist to the Law. He had become a disciple of Christ and joined the ranks of people they hated. Like a pack of wild dogs, they turned on Saul. Becoming a Christian was the same as signing his own death warrant! The Jews were on watch day and night to find Saul and to kill him!
In God’s sovereignty, the plot was uncovered. The disciples literally hid Paul from the Jews and planned a route of escape. God was watching over Saul. He had a plan for His life that could not be prevented by men.
Did you know that God has a plan for your life? In Jeremiah 29:11, we are told: “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.” Consider the lives of those God called––even before they were born:
Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Samson: “For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5).
John the Baptist: ...Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John . . . For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (Luke 1:13-16).
Know this: God has called you for a specific purpose.
God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself. So don’t be afraid of God’s will, even if it’s different from yours.
~Greg Laurie~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
