How can we trust God's plan when facing threats, as Paul did? Scene in Jerusalem: An Assassination Plot Acts 23 describes more than forty zealots binding themselves with an oath to kill Paul. His young nephew learns of it, informs the Roman commander, and “the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, ‘Do not tell anyone that you have reported this to me.’ ” (Acts 23:22). God uses a teenage relative, a pagan officer, and a night-time military escort to keep His servant alive. Remembering God’s Promise Over Paul’s Future Just the night before, “the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.’ ” (Acts 23:11). That word settled everything. If Jesus said Rome, no dagger in Jerusalem could change the itinerary. God’s Sovereignty in Small Details • A nephew “happened” to overhear the plot. • A busy commander “happened” to grant him a private audience. • Two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen “happened” to be available that night (Acts 23:23). Seeming coincidences are the stitches in God’s flawless plan. Three Anchors for Trusting God’s Plan When Threatened 1. God’s Word Is Certain • “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89) • When God promises a destination (Rome), every detour serves the route. 2. God Controls Every “When” and “How” • “My times are in Your hands.” (Psalm 31:15) • No threat can shorten the life God has measured for you. 3. God Works All Things for Good • “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) • The conspiracy became Paul’s free, guarded ride toward the next phase of ministry. Practicing Paul-like Confidence Today • Rehearse God’s specific promises—write them, say them, sing them. • Look for providence in the ordinary: overheard conversations, unexpected helpers, altered schedules. • Obey the next clear step (Paul spoke to his nephew; the commander acted). We trust by acting on what we know. • Refuse panic. Threats are real, but so is the God who numbers hairs (Matthew 10:30). Scriptures to Meditate On When Fear Knocks • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you…” • 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 — He “delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again.” • Psalm 46:1-2 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • John 16:33 — “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” Closing Reflection Paul’s calm under threat flowed from a settled conviction: if the risen Christ has spoken, the outcome is already secured. The same Lord walks every hallway of your life—seen or unseen, He is arranging meetings, timing conversations, and overruling plots. Trust the plan because you know the Planner. |
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