#acts2

God’s Sovereign Plan: From Suffering to GloryScriptures: Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23–24"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.""This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death..."Devotional Thought -Day 20God’s providence is never thwarted by human evil. From the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers to the crucifixion of Christ by lawless men, Scripture repeatedly demonstrates that no amount of wickedness can derail the purposes of God. What man means for evil, God means for good—and never is that more powerfully displayed than at the cross.Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 are among the most profound theological statements in all of Scripture. Looking back over decades of suffering, separation, and injustice, Joseph sees more than the evil intentions of men; he sees the redemptive hand of God. This statement finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In Acts 2:23–24, Peter preaches that Christ’s death was no accident, no twist of fate, but rather the outworking of God's sovereign plan.It’s vital to understand that God did not simply permit the crucifixion—He ordained it. Christ was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God." This does not excuse the evil of those who betrayed and killed Him; rather, it shows that God's purposes stand even through the darkest deeds. The cross was not a divine reaction—it was a divine intention, planned before the foundation of the world.But the story doesn’t end in death. Acts 2:24 declares that God raised Jesus from the dead, “loosing the pangs of death.” Christ’s resurrection proves that evil will never have the final word. Death was not strong enough to hold the sinless Son of God. In His victory, we find not only forgiveness but the assurance that our suffering is never wasted and our sorrow never final.On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate that suffering has given way to glory. The tomb is empty. The throne is occupied. The Lamb who was slain is now the risen and reigning King. God's sovereign plan has prevailed, and through the suffering of Christ, many people—people like you and me—have been brought to eternal life. What Satan plotted for destruction, God planned for deliverance.PrayerSovereign Father, thank You for working all things, even the darkest moments, for Your glory and our good. Lord Jesus, we praise You for Your obedience to the cross and rejoice in Your triumph over death. Holy Spirit, increase our trust in Your wise providence, especially when life seems confusing or painful. Help us to rest in the truth that You are always working, always redeeming, and always victorious. Amen.Next Steps on Your JourneyIf today’s devotional encouraged you, consider joining our free community called Lessons for Life at jameslongjr.org/navigator. If you're looking for group coaching or more personalized one-on-one support, learn more at jameslongjr.org/signupnow. We’d love to walk alongside you. Read the full article