Disruptions

Matthew 1:18-19

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

Joseph and Mary had made plans. They were engaged and certainly awaiting their marriage ceremony with eager expectation. I’m sure each had ideas of how their lives would be as husband and wife and were looking forward to building a family together. All of that changed when the Holy Spirit came.

Disruptions are often hard to fathom. I’m sure you all have experienced things that just were not a part of your plan for life. Joseph had decided this particular disruption was too much for him to handle, and he began making plans secretly to change his commitment and begin to find another way to fulfill his dreams. This disruption, however, was a part of God’s plan for Joseph’s life that he could never imagine or contrive on his own. Great moves of God often require changes to our plans, but such changes are always worth the alteration of our dreams.

Joseph would still have a family and a faithful wife. He would still continue his career and carry on his business. God simply asked him to raise His Son. To do so, Joseph would have to believe in miracles, look past his own feelings of pride and rejection, and accept a woman and a baby that had nothing to do with him. God did everything necessary to make sure Joseph knew the truth of the situation, including sending an angel to speak to him. God never expected Joseph to take a blind leap of faith; He made sure Joseph knew and understood His plan. Joseph submitted to God’s plan and obeyed.

If God causes a major disruption to your life, know for certain that He will speak to you. When things just aren’t as you’d planned, God will give you clear direction on what He wants you to do. He may require you to accept His plan, rather than your own. If He has caused a disruption in your life, expect Him to speak to you.

Which is more important to you – your dreams or your plans? Dreams are what you want to happen; plans are how you intend to get there. If you are determined to get there your own way, you are looking to take credit for the dream or achievement in some way. God given dreams are always underwritten with God prepared plans, where He gets the glory. While it is perfectly acceptable to make plans, you must submit them to God. He will either bless your plan or change it. Trust the changes or disruptions He makes. He is working out His purpose on this earth, and He lets us be a part of it. When we can celebrate this fact, we are ready for our own miracles.

Have a blessed day!