Devotional August 18 - 22
You Cannot Stop God's Plan
A 5-Day Devotional Guide based on Matthew 27:62-66; Matthew 28:2 (NIV)
(written with aid of ChatGPT)
(written with aid of ChatGPT)
The Guard at the Tomb
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Day 1: Man's Plan Cannot Overrule God's Purpose
Scripture: Matthew 27:62-64
"The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
Key Thought:
The religious leaders did everything in their power to stop Jesus' resurrection. They plotted, schemed, and manipulated political power to place guards at the tomb. Yet, their greatest efforts were powerless against God's eternal plan.
Reflection:
When people conspire against you, remember that no earthly scheme can stop God's will for life. What He has ordained, He will accomplish.
Prayer:
"Lord, remind me that no one can block what You have destined for me. Strengthen my trust in Your sovereignty over human plans."
"The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
Key Thought:
The religious leaders did everything in their power to stop Jesus' resurrection. They plotted, schemed, and manipulated political power to place guards at the tomb. Yet, their greatest efforts were powerless against God's eternal plan.
Reflection:
When people conspire against you, remember that no earthly scheme can stop God's will for life. What He has ordained, He will accomplish.
Prayer:
"Lord, remind me that no one can block what You have destined for me. Strengthen my trust in Your sovereignty over human plans."
Day 2: God's Power is Greater Than Human Barriers
Scripture: Matthew27:66
"So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
Key Thought:
The leaders sealed the stone and stationed guards. They believed they could lock away the promise of God. But no stone, no seal, and no soldier can stop the power of heaven.
Reflection:
What "stones" seem to block your breakthrough? Remember that God's power is greater than any obstacle placed before you.
Prayer:
"Father, when I feel trapped by life's barriers, help me to trust that Your power will always make a way."
"So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
Key Thought:
The leaders sealed the stone and stationed guards. They believed they could lock away the promise of God. But no stone, no seal, and no soldier can stop the power of heaven.
Reflection:
What "stones" seem to block your breakthrough? Remember that God's power is greater than any obstacle placed before you.
Prayer:
"Father, when I feel trapped by life's barriers, help me to trust that Your power will always make a way."
Day 3: God Send Heavenly Help
Scripture: Matthew 28:2
"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.”
Key Thought:
When the time came, God sent an angel to roll away the stone. What man tried to lock down, heaven unlocked. God will always release His power and even send heavenly help to make sure His purpose is fulfilled.
Reflection:
Are you relying on your own strength, or trusting God to send the help you need?
Prayer:
"Lord, than You for the angels, people, and resources You send at the right time to move stones in my life."
"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.”
Key Thought:
When the time came, God sent an angel to roll away the stone. What man tried to lock down, heaven unlocked. God will always release His power and even send heavenly help to make sure His purpose is fulfilled.
Reflection:
Are you relying on your own strength, or trusting God to send the help you need?
Prayer:
"Lord, than You for the angels, people, and resources You send at the right time to move stones in my life."
Day 4: God's Timing Cannot Be Delayed
Scripture: Matthew 27:63
"Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’”
Key Thought:
Jesus rose exactly when He said He would. Not one moment earlier, not one moment later. God's timing is always perfect. Attempts to delay or disrupt His plans are futile.
Reflection:
Have you grown anxious waiting on God's promise? Trust that His timing is not late- it's divine.
Prayer:
"Father, teach me patience to wait on Your timing. Help me to trust that delays are not denials when You are in control."
"Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’”
Key Thought:
Jesus rose exactly when He said He would. Not one moment earlier, not one moment later. God's timing is always perfect. Attempts to delay or disrupt His plans are futile.
Reflection:
Have you grown anxious waiting on God's promise? Trust that His timing is not late- it's divine.
Prayer:
"Father, teach me patience to wait on Your timing. Help me to trust that delays are not denials when You are in control."
Day 5: You Cannot Stop God's Resurrection Power
Text: Matthew 28:4
“The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. ”
Key Thought:
The very guards sent to stop the resurrection became witnesses to God's power. The impossible happened, and the world could not deny it. God's plan will always prevail, and His resurrection power continues to bring life, victory, and hope today.
Reflection:
Where in your life do you need resurrection power -- joy, peace, relationships, dreams? Believe that God still rolls stones away.
Prayer:
“Lord, I praise You for resurrection power. No enemy, no scheme, and no barrier can stop what You have planned. Use my life as a testimony of Your unstoppable power.”
“The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. ”
Key Thought:
The very guards sent to stop the resurrection became witnesses to God's power. The impossible happened, and the world could not deny it. God's plan will always prevail, and His resurrection power continues to bring life, victory, and hope today.
Reflection:
Where in your life do you need resurrection power -- joy, peace, relationships, dreams? Believe that God still rolls stones away.
Prayer:
“Lord, I praise You for resurrection power. No enemy, no scheme, and no barrier can stop what You have planned. Use my life as a testimony of Your unstoppable power.”
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