“Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 NIV)
This verse soars across my bow this morning; a cannonball of truth shattering the facade we are facing.
Peter was talking about who would be allowed in the early church and who should be held at arm’s length. The recent converted Jews were still holding to the traditional teachings on ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’. Gentiles were fundamentally unclean. It was hard to believe that Christ’s work on the cross included the outsider; the non-Jew. And Peter held to this belief as well, until God gave Peter a vision and told him three times over: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Then three believing men appeared on Peter’s doorstep, begging for more of the gospel of Jesus. Peter responded in obedience, to the benefit of the entire Gentile household.
Peter had been changed by his encounter with God and the Gentiles themselves. He’d seen them receive the Spirit just as the original Jesus followers had. (Acts 11:15) Peter realized how God’s plan encompassed much more than they had originally thought. He was obligated to share this revelation with the apostles and the Judean believers. He encouraged them not to stand in the way of God’s plan.
I’m the first to admit it. I make a better door than a window. I’ve never been much of a dreamer. I don’t have wild ideas about how big things can be or how much we might do. A friend who knows my childhood story well said “Well, Anna, your parents both lived in fantasy lands. As a survival tactic, you became a realist. Maybe even to a fault.” I know he’s right. I’m ever aware of the constraints; time, budget, energy, interest.
This morning I consider Peter’s words and I am so glad that lil ol’ Anna can’t get in the way of God’s plans. All my concerns and constraints don’t limit Him in the least. He is God and I am just a handmaid, happy to be in His house, serving His cause in any way I can.
This verse may also apply to the political upheaval we are experiencing. It is a great comfort to us that one little man or woman (no matter how powerful their appearance or position may seem) cannot stand in the way of a sovereign God’s perfect plan. Let that sink in and bolster your faith today. Nothing is happening in the highest seats of national leadership apart from God Almighty’s constant oversight. I am routinely amazed at how He can leverage the wicked deeds of men to accomplish Kingdom purpose. Don’t believe me? Consider Judas. God somehow redeem our fallen estate to further Hi plans. Who could possibly stand in His way?
“I cry out to God Most High, who will fulfill His purpose for me.”
(Psalm 57:2 NLT)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
“In their hearts human plot their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms and the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You.” (1 Chronicles 20:6 NIV)
Lord, we are so relieved that even we cannot get in the way of Your glory. Please forgive us for presuming we are the biggest player in our story. Take the stage, change the script, wow the audience as You see fit. We are grateful to be a small part of the Kingdom plan still unfurling. Have Your way in us. Amen.