Joseph: God’s Plans Are Far Better Than Your Own

…Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:18

I spent hours cleaning and smoothing each piece of the nativity greenware. I carefully packed the pieces and headed to the ceramic shop. On the way, a small item fell from the car dashboard and beheaded Joseph! Heartsick, I asked the owner of the shop what to do. She responded, “You can glue it, but it usually pops off in the firing.” However, it worked! “Figuratively” speaking, Joseph got his head on straight!

One might say Joseph spiritually got his head on straight in the first chapter of Matthew. Joseph was betrothed to Mary, but his plan of a wedding was shattered with Mary’s news that she was pregnant. Knowing he wasn’t the father and that he could publicly disgrace Mary, Joseph instead made plans to end the engagement. It was a righteous plan but not God’s plan.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and revealed God’s plan and purpose. The child within Mary was the Savior, conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joseph heard, believed, and changed his plan. As God commanded, he took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:20-25)

As we reflect on Joseph’s life, we can wholeheartedly agree: God’s plan for Joseph was far greater than his own. But can you say the same about your life? When plans fail—plans you consider to be good and right—can you wholeheartedly agree that God’s plan is better than your own?

You and I make plans from a limited earthly perspective, but every plan and act of God is with His eternal purpose in mind. He sovereignly works out His God-glorifying, life-giving, good plan. Daily, you and I can trust that His plan is always best!

Lord, help me trust Your plan, especially when it differs from my own.

Jan Burkhart