DIVINE DIVERSIONS

DIVINE DIVERSIONS

READ:
Matthew 1:18-25

And he called His name
JESUS. -Matthew 1:25

I tend to get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my routines and plans can be very annoying.  Worse yet, life's diversions are sometimes unsettling and painful.  But God, who said, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your way My ways" (Isaiah 55:8), knows that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original plans.

Think of Joseph.  God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God's chosen people from starvation.  Or of Moses, who was diverted from the luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh's house to meet God in the wilderness in preparation to lead God's people toward the Promised Land.  Or of Joseph and Mary to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of all.  Mary would be with child, and this child would be called "JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).  Joseph believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him, surrendered to the diversion, and obediently "called His name JESUS" (v.25).  The rest is wonderful history!

We can trust God's greater plans as He does His far better work in the history of our lives. -Joe Stowell

Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to
conform to Yours.  You have greater things in store for
us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently
wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.
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Let God direct-or redirect-your steps.

INSIGHT
Joseph's response to the news of Mary's pregnancy illustrates the heart of God the Father-justice coupled with love.  The law (justice) allowed Joseph to divorce Mary and even to have her stoned as an adulteress (see Leviticus 20:10).  But love compelled him not to want to "make her a public example" (Matthew 1:19). [If Joseph followed his plan not God's plan we would be lost.  We would not have a Savior].

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace