Trusting in God’s Plan - Luke13:31-35

Read Luke 13:31-35

Have you ever heard the saying, "What is meant to happen will happen"? When you hear this, what comes to mind? We often go through life without knowing what lies ahead. Sometimes, events that seem like coincidences at the moment later feel like they were meant to be. This reminds me of one of my favorite movies—Forrest Gump. Have you seen it?

The movie follows Forrest Gump as he experiences key moments in modern American history. One of the central figures in his life is Jenny, his childhood friend and love interest, who plays a significant role in his journey. Eventually, she becomes the mother of Forrest Jr. The film beautifully weaves together themes of fate and chance, showing how the events in Forrest’s life ultimately feel inevitable.

One of the movie’s famous lines is: “Jenny and I were like peas and carrots.” Forrest says this to express how, despite their different backgrounds and experiences, they fit together perfectly. The phrase reflects the idea that they complement each other and are better together.

Throughout the movie, Forrest and Jenny repeatedly cross paths, parting ways and reuniting. In the end, just as Forrest had always believed, she turns out to be the love of his life. Through her, he also meets his son, Forrest Jr.

Another line that deeply moved me comes from Forrest’s mother. In one of her final moments with him, she says: “Death is just a part of life—something we’re all destined to face.” Forrest later recalls how she passed away from cancer and accepts her death with quiet understanding. Because, after all, what is meant to happen will happen.

This movie portrays how events that seem like fate or coincidence are, in reality, inevitable. Have you ever experienced something in your life that initially felt like destiny or chance but, in hindsight, was bound to happen?

For me, the idea that what is meant to happen will happen has often been about the timing of certain moments. For example, I have learned that every beginning must have an end.

Take, for instance, the journey of pursuing a childhood dream. It required years of effort and perseverance, but in the end, that dream became a reality. Another example is a long-term friendship—one that went through conflicts and challenges but ultimately endured, growing even stronger. While we may have some influence over how things unfold or when they happen, the exact details of what will come remain unknown.

However, in today’s passage, Jesus appears to know not only when the end will come but also what will happen at that time. Do you know when human beings experience the greatest fear? It is when we face an uncertain future, unable to predict what lies ahead. Fear comes from uncertainty.

In the passage, the Pharisees come to Jesus and warn Him to flee because Herod is seeking to kill Him. But who were the Pharisees? They were people who, though often amazed by Jesus’ teachings, also strongly opposed Him—at times even plotting to kill Him. So why would they now come to warn Jesus about Herod?

Was Herod truly trying to kill Jesus at that moment? Perhaps. But I believe that, at least at that particular time, that was not the real issue. Instead, the Pharisees were likely more concerned about the growing number of people following Jesus because of His teachings. By urging Him to flee, they may have simply been trying to remove Him from their midst.

Jesus not only understood the true intentions of the Pharisees, but He also knew exactly what was to come. Why? Because He is God Himself—the One who governs all things.

Finding Confidence in God’s Presence

Dear brothers and sisters, when we face fear due to an uncertain future, God does not leave us to navigate it alone. He places people in our lives to guide us on the right path, ensuring that we do not walk it in solitude. He gathers those who will walk alongside us, providing strength and companionship on our journey.

We may not know the exact time or details of what lies ahead, but we do know that certain things are inevitable. It could be our own mortality, or it could be the final day of all things. Yet, what we must always hold onto is the truth that God is with us. He never abandons us; He walks with us every step of the way.

Jesus Himself said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). God is always with us, never forsaking us. He also reassures us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, Jesus calls us to trust in Him.

In Jeremiah, God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11). His plans are filled with hope and a future for us.

So, do not be afraid. God directs every step we take, illuminating our path. Everything that happens in our lives is within His divine plan, and by His love and grace, we can walk forward in confidence. With the assurance that God is with us, we can overcome any challenge. May you all experience His love and guidance, and may you live each day in peace and hope.

A Prayer for Trusting in God’s Plan

Gracious and Sovereign God,

We come before You with hearts that long for Your presence and guidance. You are the Lord of all time, the One who knows the end from the beginning. Nothing happens outside of Your will, and nothing takes You by surprise. In a world filled with uncertainty, we find peace in knowing that our lives are in Your hands.

Lord, we confess that we often fear the unknown. The future feels unclear, and our hearts grow anxious when we do not see the path ahead. But today, we place our trust in You. Just as You walked with Jesus through every trial, we believe that You are walking with us. You never leave us as orphans; You come to us, strengthen us, and remind us that we are never alone.

Help us to trust in Your divine plan, even when we do not understand it. When we face trials, give us courage. When we feel lost, shine Your light upon our path. When fear grips our hearts, remind us of Your promise: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." Lord, we choose to believe.

You have placed people in our lives to walk this journey with us. Thank You for the community of faith, for friends, family, and mentors who remind us of Your presence. Help us to be those same guiding lights for others, offering encouragement and love to those who struggle with uncertainty.

Father, we surrender our plans to You. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we trust that Your plans for us are good, plans to give us hope and a future. Lead us step by step, and may we walk boldly, knowing that wherever we go, You are already there.

We lift up this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our guide. Amen.

© 2025 Pastor Jin Ko. All rights reserved