God’s Plan and Your Part in It
God doesn’t call only the elite or the most qualified to participate in His plans. In fact, scripture shows us time and again that God loves to use ordinary, even unlikely, individuals for extraordinary purposes. This idea forms the foundation of a powerful exploration into what it means to participate in God’s kingdom work. To understand this more deeply, let’s look at key lessons about purpose and calling found in Acts 1:15-26. Click the video link above for the full message.
Knowing God’s Word and Trusting His Sovereign Plan
One of the most striking lessons from Acts 1 is the importance of knowing scripture and trusting in God’s sovereignty. Peter stands before a group of about 120 believers and declares that the scriptures concerning Judas’s betrayal had to be fulfilled. Quoting the Psalms, Peter emphasizes that even the tragic events surrounding Judas were part of God’s divine plan: “May another take his place of leadership” (Acts 1:20, NIV).
This underscores a critical truth: knowing God’s word brings clarity to His plans and builds confidence in His sovereignty. Peter’s knowledge of scripture allowed him to understand and trust that God was working, even through painful circumstances like betrayal.
Understanding God’s sovereignty is a source of peace, even when life feels overwhelming. If God’s hand was at work during the most evil act of all time—Jesus’ crucifixion—we can trust that His hand is over the difficulties we face today. Whether it’s financial challenges, relational struggles, or emotional pain, God is present, purposeful, and in control.
Practical Steps for Trusting God’s Sovereignty:
Develop a consistent habit of reading scripture to know God’s promises.
Reflect on past experiences where God has worked through challenges in your life.
Begin each day with a scripture-based affirmation, such as “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1, NIV).
Avoiding Sin That Leads to Destruction
Judas’s story is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin. His betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver led to regret, isolation, and ultimately, his death. The aftermath of his actions is described in Acts 1:18-19, where it is revealed that Judas fell and suffered a gruesome death in a field purchased with the money he received. This imagery serves as a stark warning about the destructive power of sin.
Sin often appears appealing or harmless at first, but it always leads to destruction. Satan excels at packaging sin in ways that seem attractive, making it easy to justify poor choices. From the Garden of Eden to today, his tactics remain the same. However, scripture reminds us in Hebrews 12:1-2 to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so we can run the race marked out for us.
Practical Steps to Avoid Sin:
Confess your struggles to a trusted friend or mentor.
Establish accountability relationships with people who will lovingly guide you back to God’s truth.
Memorize verses that remind you of God’s promises and the consequences of sin.
Sin isolates, but repentance restores. There is always a pathway to redemption through God’s forgiveness. Don’t believe the lie that you’re beyond His grace.
Being Present and Ready for God’s Calling
When the disciples needed to replace Judas, they didn’t select someone randomly. They established clear criteria: the new apostle had to be someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. Two men, Joseph and Matthias, were nominated, and Matthias was ultimately chosen.
Interestingly, Matthias isn’t mentioned elsewhere in scripture. What makes his story so powerful is not his fame or achievements but his faithfulness. Matthias was present and ready to step into the role God had for him. His calling reminds us that being faithful in the seemingly small things prepares us for larger opportunities in God’s plan.
God often works through our availability rather than our ability. When we position ourselves to listen to His voice and obey His leading, we open the door for Him to use us in ways we may never expect.
How to Be Ready for God’s Call:
Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal His purpose for your life.
Look for small ways to serve and be faithful where you are.
Stay connected to a community of believers who can encourage and guide you.
Applying These Lessons
The examples of Peter, Judas, and Matthias provide us with valuable insights into how we can participate in God’s plan:
Know God’s Word and Trust His Sovereignty: Spend time reading and reflecting on scripture to build your confidence in His plans.
Avoid Sin That Leads to Destruction: Be aware of how sin disguises itself and take active steps to remove it from your life.
Be Present and Ready for God’s Calling: Commit to being faithful in the small moments and ready to answer when God calls.
God is inviting each of us to be part of His kingdom work. Whether you feel qualified or not, remember that He values a willing and faithful heart above all else.
Further Reading
• Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King
• Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
Other Links
• Want to hear more? Check out The Hills Community Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.
• Learn more about community groups and resources at www.thehillscommunity.church.