Nothing can stop it but you better not oppose it
God’s Plans
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So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with people, it will come to nothing, but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found fighting against God.” He convinced them
Acts 5:38-39 (NET)
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For context, this was a religious leader named Gamaliel speaking to his peers after dealing with the scandal of the apostles preaching about Jesus.
I don’t know if Gamaliel was a secret believer, but he might have been.
The reason I say that is because Luke (the author) took the time to actually name him, a sign of respect.
Regardless, there’s an important message for us here:
God’s plans will succeed, whether we work with Him or fight against Him.
This plan in particular will succeed:
You know, sharing the hope-filled message of Jesus’ work of salvation to the whole world.
God wants to bring His creation back into perfect relationship with Him and this is the only way to do it.
Nothing we do will stop that plan, though we can get in its way (thus opposing God).
Now, that’s a scary thought.
Yet it’s a reality I face every day whenever I choose to sin.
Sin is, by its nature, a rebellion against God. So whenever I do sin I am opposing God in some way.
How strange that I would so hate to find myself opposing God like the Sanhedrin here, and yet think almost nothing of sinning day-to-day.
Clearly I’m a work in progress.
God’s still got a lot of work left to do in me.
What a blessing that He is so gracious and merciful to be patient with me while I struggle to mature.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea for me to align myself with His plans.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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