When God messes with your plans

Pastor Doug Isaac

I would like to share with you today the marriage of Joseph and Mary and how it applies to us today. Engagements were handled differently in those days as they are now. Marriages were pre-arranged by the parents, often when the children were still infants. There had to be a point, however, when the couple became aware of the engagement and began to make their plans. I imagine young Joseph. The wedding date is approaching and he is making preparations. I can see Mary. The date every young lady lives for is just about here. She is so excited as she and her parents make the wedding plans. She and Joseph have such dreams for their lives together. But then ... God messed with their plans! It was never in their goals for Mary to become pregnant before their wedding night. And certainly, the idea of becoming pregnant miraculously and giving birth to the Lord Jesus causes perplexity. She asks in Luke 1:34 “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Joseph’s reaction was a little different. He had a decision to make. Should he believe that Mary had been faithful to him and that she had miraculously became pregnant with the Son of God? Or, should he decide to break off the engagement? Of course, you know the rest of the story! They did get married and did give birth to the Messiah and the rest is history! Let’s make three observations based on this Bible scene: 1. God didn’t ask Joseph and Mary, He told them! The angels didn’t ask if this was acceptable to them. God simply told them His will for their lives and His plan. Listen. God has a plan for your life. He made that plan before the world was created. He has no intention of asking your permission to proceed with His plan. Now, you can choose not to obey His will, but you cannot change His will for your life. 2. God’s plan for Mary and Joseph was not an easy one. Sometimes we think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be a bed of roses and life will be without trial or difficulty. That was not the case for Joseph and Mary. (i) Why didn’t God work it out so the tax was collected either before Joseph and Mary were married, or after the baby was born. Mary was so pregnant, she barely made it the 70 miles to Bethlehem, by foot, camel or donkey. (ii) The baby was born in a feeding trough, or manger. The couple is exhausted, frustrated and ready to deliver. God isn’t making it easy for them, even in His perfect will. (iii) Why were they forced to flee to Egypt because of the threat of King Herod? God could have softened his heart and made the trip with the two-year—old Jesus unnecessary. (iv) Then, after all of this, somewhere between when Jesus was 12-30 years old, His father Joseph died. Jesus became the head of the home and the responsibility that goes with it. God’s way may not be easy, but it is the best. 3. Though things were difficult, God blessed them. It must have been a joy beyond belief to raise Jesus as He grew up. Ultimately, Jesus grew up to be a blessing to the whole world. How would Mary have felt when her Son rose victoriously over death and the grave? She watched Him ascend visibly, bodily and gradually into heaven. She realized that her Son had opened the door to heaven for all who would accept Him and receive Him as their Saviour. Here is where it can be practical for you: (i) If we will agree to follow God’s plan. (ii) No matter how difficult. (iii) Eternity will record a far-reaching impact for good because of it.