A Messed Up Christmas

Preliminary:

Introduction:

We aren’t told how it happened that Mary and Joseph fell in love, but the fact is they had plans. Big plans

I am a planner. Not always a good implementer but I like to plan.

Mary and Joseph had big plans

They were betrothed to each other - Joseph was probably working on a housing situation for them

Plans were in place for groomsmen and bridesmaids,

The menu had already been established and supplies and ingredients purchased and stored in their place of waiting.

Then an angel shows up and the plans, expectations, hopes, and dreams crumbled around Mary like a sandcastle bombarded with the waves of the incoming tide.

Have you ever had your plans changed, your dreams shattered, your expectations severely dissappointed?

I want to talk to you tonight about some Biblical lessons and principles we can glean from God’s Word about messed up plans.

While these lessons are not original with me they spoke to me and I hope they will speak to you.

When God messes up your plan it means…He is trying to get your attention (I wasn’t listening)

Mary & Joseph - needed something supernatural

We put God on call waiting - Psalm 81:13 “13 Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, And Israel had walked in my ways!” [ I wish my people would listen to me]

When God messes up your plan it means… he has a Better plan “God will never change your plan because your’s was better”

Three parts to Gods better plan

God’s plan is always good - Jer 29:11 “11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

God’s plan is more rewarding - When I cooperate with God’s plan it will reward forever 1 Cor 2:9 .

You can’t imagine what God would like to do through your life. -

Think Mary & Joseph they just wanted to get married - God wanted to bless the whole world through them

God’s plan is sometimes harder - 1 Peter 4:12-13

If you are looking for the easiest way - don’t follow God

When God messes up your plan it means…God wants you to trust him John 13:7.

Trust his wisdom

Trust his timing

Trust his love

Trust his promises

Tonight you may be facing some messed up plans, or shattered dreams, but I want to encourage you to take God’s plan - you will never be sorry

We have a tendency to gripe and complain when our plans go awry - but what if we thanked God instead - this is something I want to work on.