When plans change.
A few times in life, I can recall when I was so sure that God had spoken clearly about a direction that I bolted towards the end without more than a nudge.
A few more times than that, I recall digging my heals in deep, determined to wait until God posted a billboard... in my front lawn... in neon lights... with a marching band accompaniment (you know what I mean).
But, these times aren't necessarily the difficult ones; it's toughest when we're sure we have the plan and the plan seems to change. When God "seems" to redirect, it's confusing. We doubt our ability to hear Him, wondering if He really even spoke in the first place.
Matthew (the author) may have unintentionally addressed this, but the Spirit knew that today I would see a fresh encouragement, and you might too.
A few more times than that, I recall digging my heals in deep, determined to wait until God posted a billboard... in my front lawn... in neon lights... with a marching band accompaniment (you know what I mean).
But, these times aren't necessarily the difficult ones; it's toughest when we're sure we have the plan and the plan seems to change. When God "seems" to redirect, it's confusing. We doubt our ability to hear Him, wondering if He really even spoke in the first place.
Matthew (the author) may have unintentionally addressed this, but the Spirit knew that today I would see a fresh encouragement, and you might too.
Matthew 2:19-23
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child’s life. And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee, and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene. (Emphasis mine)
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child’s life. And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee, and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene. (Emphasis mine)
It would appear in the beginning of the text that Joseph was clear about the direction God gave him, yet as he proceeded, he sensed a problem and waited for clarification. When I freak out and wait, I feel like a doubter, and that would be true if I then camped out in the place of waiting and never moved on. Yet, this simple passage is just now giving me a freedom to say, "Joseph waited, so when I see something on the road He's placed me that concerns me, I can simply ask (without shame) for God to give me more direction or courage to move".
So many times during the process of trusting God, we can get caught up in how we respond instead of just letting God work with who we are, who HE KNOWS we are. He knows who He's dealing with, He still chose you. So ask your question, let your real feels be exposed to Him, He has chosen you and he will use that, He will cover the discrepancies and grow you in the process.
Letting God truly be the Lord in your circumstance isn't a process of getting good at being Christiany, it's a process of letting go of your ideas about being Godly...and just letting Him be God.
Which means we can keep our head up when he "seems" to redirect or take a turn, because the Lord has a purpose. He is God, His ways are higher, and we are not responsible for the design, just the yes.
Finally, and here's the beautiful bow on top... the passage says, "...that it might be fulfilled...". There was even more going on in this 'man works with God' situation, God had a promise to keep. Joseph trusting God, with the directions AND with his heart allowed for a deeper faith development and Joseph got to be a part of fulfilling a promise for the nations! Wow! Even more than the wrap up of this story, today we are further blessed by the trust he demonstrated as we see it's fruit in full perspective, since we know where the gospel goes from here.
He is faithful, He works all thing for His Glory, He provides, He loves us so.
So many times during the process of trusting God, we can get caught up in how we respond instead of just letting God work with who we are, who HE KNOWS we are. He knows who He's dealing with, He still chose you. So ask your question, let your real feels be exposed to Him, He has chosen you and he will use that, He will cover the discrepancies and grow you in the process.
Letting God truly be the Lord in your circumstance isn't a process of getting good at being Christiany, it's a process of letting go of your ideas about being Godly...and just letting Him be God.
Which means we can keep our head up when he "seems" to redirect or take a turn, because the Lord has a purpose. He is God, His ways are higher, and we are not responsible for the design, just the yes.
Finally, and here's the beautiful bow on top... the passage says, "...that it might be fulfilled...". There was even more going on in this 'man works with God' situation, God had a promise to keep. Joseph trusting God, with the directions AND with his heart allowed for a deeper faith development and Joseph got to be a part of fulfilling a promise for the nations! Wow! Even more than the wrap up of this story, today we are further blessed by the trust he demonstrated as we see it's fruit in full perspective, since we know where the gospel goes from here.
He is faithful, He works all thing for His Glory, He provides, He loves us so.
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