Adapting to God’s Plan
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and
yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce
her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to
him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary
home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because
he will save his people from their sins’… When Joseph woke up, he did what the
angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”1
Joseph was a faithful man of God who loved Mary and was,
undoubtedly, excited to start their life together. But before Mary went to live
with him, he discovered that she was pregnant. Infidelity came with serious
consequences in their day, and even if Joseph was feeling heartbroken, he loved
Mary so much that he had thought to divorce her privately to avoid public disgrace
for her. His plans were made, but as he slept the angel of the Lord appeared to
him in a dream and told him God’s larger plan in all this. When he woke up, he
obeyed and took Mary home as his wife. He trusted God completely and believed His
Word. Things would have turned out very differently if Joseph would have chosen
to stubbornly follow through with his own plans!
We make plans every day, but what happens when they change unexpectedly?
Do we focus on the inconvenience and become discouraged? Or do we realize that God
may have something different for us and adapt accordingly? Joseph’s trust in
God in allowing Him to take the lead of the situation is a beautiful example we
can learn from. When we are faithful to God and seek him first, we can be sure
that any changes to our plans are part of God’s bigger plan. It is important to
keep our hearts open to God’s leading and adapt so that His will can be
fulfilled.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the reminder that
your ways are greater than mine. Help me follow your perfect path in every
situation. When difficulties or confusion arise in my plans, open my mind and
heart to your will knowing that you have something different and better for me.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
1. Matthew
1:19-21,24.
Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.