How can we trust God's plan when facing opposition, as seen in John 11:53? Setting the Scene: Opposition in John 11:53 “ So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.” (John 11:53) Jesus has just raised Lazarus. Rather than rejoicing, the religious leaders move straight to conspiracy. Their hostility feels crushing—yet this very hostility will carry Jesus to the cross, the centerpiece of God’s redemptive plan. Recognizing the Reality of Opposition • God’s people have always faced resistance (Acts 7:52). • Opposition often intensifies when God’s work is most evident (John 11:45-48). • Scripture never downplays the threat, but it consistently shows God overruling it. Seeing God’s Plan in the Midst of Plotting • The leaders’ scheme does not catch God off guard (Isaiah 46:10). • Their plotting actually propels Jesus toward the Passover, fulfilling prophecy (John 18:28-32). • What looks like tragedy becomes triumph: the cross leads to resurrection (Acts 2:23-24). Why We Can Trust the Plan 1. God is sovereign over every decision, even wicked ones (Proverbs 19:21). 2. He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 3. He has a proven track record of turning evil intentions into blessing (Genesis 50:20). 4. The cross itself is the ultimate evidence: humanity’s worst act accomplished God’s greatest gift (1 Corinthians 2:8-9). Practical Ways to Entrust Ourselves to God During Opposition • Anchor your thoughts in promises rather than circumstances—meditate on Psalm 37:5-7. • Speak truth aloud: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6). • Stay obedient in small steps; trust grows through practice (Luke 16:10). • Surround yourself with believers who remind you of God’s character (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep an eternal perspective: present suffering is producing “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • 1 Peter 4:19 — “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” • Psalm 56:3-4 — “When I am afraid, I will trust in You… In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid.” • Acts 4:27-28 — Early believers recognized that even the crucifixion happened “to do what Your hand and Your purpose had determined beforehand.” Opposition may roar, but John 11:53 reminds us that every plot lines up under God’s plan. When circumstances feel hostile, we lean on His unshakable sovereignty and keep stepping forward in faithful obedience. |
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