Today's Daily Encounter Monday, February 27, 2023

Today's Daily Encounter Monday, February 27, 2023

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.

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