The Big Plan

God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross. But God set him free from death and raised him to life. Death could not hold him in its power.

Acts 2:23–24 (CEV)

Do you ever feel like you can’t be good? Like you just want your way or you want to be mean more than you want to be nice? Like evil is stronger than good?

It sure seemed like evil was winning when Jesus died. Even one of his closest friends, Peter, lied and didn’t stand up for him during his final hours. If a perfect man like Jesus could be killed, what hope is there for anyone?

But Jesus came back to life, and he forgave Peter. He sent Peter out as a great preacher, and Peter stood up for Jesus for the rest of his life.

When Peter talked to people about Jesus, he said God knew the plan all along. God had decided long ago that Jesus would die on a cross and be raised to life. He knew that was the only way to forgive us for doing wrong and to save us. He knew the only way to win over evil was for Jesus to die and come back to life.

So, on days when you only want to do wrong, ask God to forgive you and help you trust his plan to save you.

TIME TO PRAY

God, thank you for your plan to save me from sin. Please forgive me when I mess up, and help me do what’s right.

GOD'S WONDERFUL WORLD

God’s great plans started long, long ago when he created this beautiful world! He made the sun, stars, oceans, animals . . . and, best of all, he made you!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help expand your children's Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 34:22

Isaiah 43:11–12

Luke 22:22

1 John 4:9–10