Living Water #563

LIVING WATER EPISODE 563 || 19TH  DECEEMBER, 2025

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

WHEN GOD’S PLAN DISRUPTS OUR EXPECTATIONS

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–19 (NIV)

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

1.    God’s Plans Often Begin Where Our Understanding Ends

The situation surrounding Mary’s pregnancy made no sense by human standards. She was pledged to Joseph, yet she was found to be pregnant before they came together, a circumstance that naturally suggested unfaithfulness. However, Scripture clearly tells us that this pregnancy was through the Holy Spirit. This teaches us that God’s purposes often begin in places where human reasoning fails. What appears to be disorder, shame, or confusion may actually be the starting point of divine intervention. Faith is required when God’s work does not align with our expectations or logic.

2.    Righteousness Is More Than Obedience to Rules

Joseph is described as a man who was faithful to the law, yet his response to Mary’s situation reveals that true righteousness goes beyond strict rule-keeping. Though the law allowed him to expose Mary publicly, he chose compassion over condemnation and planned to divorce her quietly. His righteousness was marked by mercy, not cruelty. This shows us that God values a heart that reflects His love, choosing grace and kindness even when one has the legal right to act otherwise.

3.    God Trusts His Plans to People of Character

Before Joseph ever received divine explanation through an angel, he demonstrated integrity, self-control, and compassion. God entrusted the care of Jesus to a man who could handle misunderstanding without bitterness and uncertainty without retaliation. Joseph’s character proved he was reliable even in confusion. This reminds us that God often looks for character before revelation, and how we respond in difficult moments reveals whether we are prepared to carry God’s purposes.

4.    Obedience Often Precedes Understanding

Joseph made the decision to act quietly and honorably before he fully understood what God was doing. It was only after this inward resolve that God spoke to him through a dream. This shows us that God often reveals His will after we choose obedience rather than before. When we submit our actions to God, even in uncertainty, we position ourselves to receive clarity and direction. Obedience becomes the doorway through which revelation enters.

The birth of Jesus began with: a misunderstood miracle, a quiet man and a compassionate decision

God’s greatest gift to humanity entered the world through faithful obedience in the face of confusion: Joseph teaches us that: God’s plan may disrupt our expectations; Righteousness must walk with mercy; Obedience often comes before understanding.

Call to Action

Where is God asking you to trust Him without full explanation?
Who is God asking you to treat with mercy instead of judgment?

Choose obedience! Choose compassion!  Choose faith; even when the story does not yet make sense

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to trust Your plan even when I do not understand it. Give me a heart like Joseph: faithful, compassionate, and obedient. Teach me to walk in righteousness that reflects Your mercy. Prepare me to carry Your purpose with humility and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.