We wake to a new day. Another week. To the dawn of a new year. And we make our plans accordingly. There are things to be done, people to see, and bills to pay. And, of course, we pursue our various desires for work, family, and communities, which is all as it should be. Yet with all our plans we quickly realize our story takes many unexpected twists and turns. It’s perhaps confusing and a bit unsettling at first. But we realize we’re being directed by God and bringing us exactly where we need to be.
Of course, this is not to deny the freedom God has given us to make things happen, not to mention the dignity to live with the consequences of our decisions. Likewise, we must contend with the reality of evil and the spiritual forces of darkness that wreak havoc in the world around us. All the same, we often get glimpses of God using the events of our life to prepare us and use us in his larger story.
This was the case with Joseph. We discover what initially looks like an endless series of bad luck is actually a plan being orchestrated by God to place him in the position to best serve his generation. To be sure, Joseph was blessed. But this was not the point. Joseph was not being directed for his personal prosperity, but rather to mediate God’s goodness to his people. And these are the eyes we need to see and interpret our story as well.
Despite all our plans, God is directing our steps and placing us in the strategic position needed to advance his kingdom in our generation. And, like Joseph, we might have to live through many dark chapters. But even here we live by faith and with a confident hope.
In the end, continue to make your plans without worrying too much about going to the right or the left. Be wise as you make decisions while also living by faith – trusting God is directing your steps even when things might not make sense to you.
Photo by Vishnu Prasad on Unsplash
