On the cross, Jesus, unable to move His arms or legs, uttered the words: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). At that moment, God’s plan reached its fulfilment. The mission of redemption, foretold through the prophets and foreshadowed in the sacrifices of the Old Testament, was accomplished. Earlier, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). Through both surrender and suffering, He showed us that the Father’s purposes prevail even when everything seems utterly against us.
Nothing can derail God’s plan
This truth is profound: God’s plan is never obstructed by human weakness or unfavourable conditions. Even when Jesus was nailed to the cross, stripped of strength, mocked, and seemingly defeated, the Father’s will was unfolding perfectly. What looked like tragedy was actually triumph. As Paul later wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but Rev Fr George Panackal VC to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor 1:18). The cross demonstrates that God’s purposes are unstoppable, even in the darkest hour. Therefore, we need not lose heart when facing trials and adversities. Our limitations, failures, or circumstances cannot derail the sovereign plan of God. What He begins, He completes. As St Paul assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).
Obedience: the Key to God’s Perfect Plan
Anyone who truly desires to accomplish God’s will in life does not need to manipulate events or control situations. Only one thing is required: a heart obedient to God. This is the key. Pray daily for such a heart, for obedience is the path that leads to the unfolding of God’s perfect plan. Jesus Himself modeled this when He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work” (Jn 4:34). His life was marked by obedience, even unto death.
Consider the story of the fisherman who had grown old and could no longer go to sea. He called his son and said, “My strength has failed me, and I can no longer fish. From tomorrow, you must go in my place.” The son, however, waited day after day for the waves to calm before venturing out. His father wisely reminded him: “If you wait for the sea to grow calm, you will never fish. The sea always has waves. Only make sure that your boat has no holes and that it does not capsize, and then you may go and fish.”
This parable illustrates a vital truth. Many of us waste our strength worrying about how to change unfavourable circumstances-family disagreements, financial struggle, or uncertain futures. We try to fix one side, only to see another slip out of control. But the real issue is not whether we can calm the waves of life. The question is whether we are willing to surrender to God’s will and keep our hearts firmly anchored in Him. Scripture reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6).
Obedience is not about controlling the sea; it is about trusting the One who rules over it. When our hearts are yielded to God, His purposes unfold in ways we could never orchestrate ourselves.
Christ, The Lord Over the Storm
Those who constantly focus on hostile situations only fill themselves with sorrow, anxiety, and fear. But those who cling to God in the midst of adversity learn to walk with Jesus and make Him Lord of their lives. Remember the disciples who were caught in a violent storm in the middle of the sea, terrified as their boat was tossed by the waves. They cried out, and Jesus came to them walking on the water. He rebuked the wind, and the sea
grew calm, proving that even the forces of nature obey His command (Mk 4:39).
The lesson is unmistakable: the waves will never cease, but Christ is always Lord over the storm. Life will always bring challenges-health crises, financial pressures, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles. Yet none of these waves are greater than the authority of Jesus. As He declared, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).
The fisherman’s son waited for calm seas that never came. In contrast, the disciples experienced the storm but discovered the presence of Christ in the midst of it. This is the difference between fear and faith. Fear waits for circumstances to change before acting. Faith steps forward in obedience, trusting that Christ is greater than the storm.
When we surrender to God’s will, we discover that His plan is not hindered by the turbulence around us. Instead, the very waves that threaten to overwhelm us become the backdrop for His power and glory. God’s word assures us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is 41:10).
Conclusion
The cross teaches us that God’s plan is fulfilled not through human strength but through surrender and obedience. Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” echo across history as the declaration that God’s purposes prevail. The fisherman’s parable reminds us that waiting for perfect conditions are futile; obedience is what matters. And the storm on the sea shows us that Christ is Lord over. every wave. Therefore, let us not lose heart. Trials will come, waves will rise, and storms will rage. But God’s plan is never obstructed. Trust Him, obey Him, and you will see His purposes unfold even when circumstances