Trusting God's Promises: Lessons from Joseph's Journey
Summary
In our journey through the Christmas story, we have explored the perspectives of key figures, and today we focus on Joseph. Joseph's story is a profound lesson in understanding God's promises. While human promises often falter, God's promises are steadfast and reliable. Joseph's experience teaches us that God's promises are not always accompanied by clarity or ease, but they are always fulfilled. Joseph faced a challenging situation when he learned of Mary's pregnancy, yet he chose to trust God's promise delivered through an angel. This trust led him to embrace his role in God's plan, despite the uncertainties and difficulties he faced.
Joseph's story reminds us that God's promises may not align with our expectations. We often impose our own expectations on God's promises, leading to disappointment when things don't unfold as we imagined. However, God's promises transcend our limited understanding and expectations. Joseph's life was not easy; he faced societal judgment, had to flee to Egypt, and likely did not live to see Jesus' crucifixion. Yet, he experienced the profound privilege of raising the Messiah, witnessing God's presence in his home.
God's promises are not about providing comfort or clarity but about fulfilling His divine plan. Joseph's life exemplifies the importance of trusting God's promises, even when the path is unclear. God's promises are about His presence, peace, and purpose in our lives. They invite us to participate in His salvation plan, offering us a life filled with His joy and grace. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we are encouraged to let go of our expectations and trust in the promises God has made, knowing they are far greater than anything we could envision.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in God's Promises: Joseph's story illustrates the importance of trusting God's promises, even when they defy our understanding. God's promises are reliable and will be fulfilled, though not always in the way we expect. Trusting in His promises requires faith and patience, knowing that His plans are greater than ours. [21:31]
- Expectations vs. Reality: We often impose our expectations on God's promises, leading to disappointment. Joseph's life shows that God's promises may not align with our expectations, but they are always for our good. Letting go of our expectations allows us to fully embrace God's plan. [40:06]
- God's Presence in Uncertainty: Joseph's journey was filled with uncertainty and challenges, yet he experienced God's presence in profound ways. God's promises assure us of His presence, even in difficult times, providing us with peace and guidance. [46:23]
- The Privilege of God's Plan: Joseph had the unique privilege of raising Jesus, the Messiah. This highlights the incredible honor of being part of God's plan, even when it involves sacrifice and hardship. God's promises invite us to participate in His divine purpose. [45:34]
- God's Promises Transcend Time: Joseph likely did not see the fulfillment of all God's promises in his lifetime, yet he trusted in God's faithfulness. God's promises extend beyond our lifetime, reminding us of the eternal perspective we are called to embrace. [47:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [18:49] - Trusting God's Plan
- [20:01] - The Power of Promise
- [21:31] - Trust Issues and God's Faithfulness
- [24:03] - Broken Promises and God's Assurance
- [25:28] - Joseph's Dilemma
- [26:55] - Joseph's Compassionate Decision
- [29:13] - Angelic Assurance
- [31:27] - Expecting the Unexpected
- [32:15] - Journey to Bethlehem
- [33:15] - The Reality of God's Promise
- [34:45] - Joseph's Sacrifices
- [35:45] - Fleeing to Egypt
- [37:49] - Joseph's Unseen Fulfillment
- [39:02] - The Cost of God's Promise
- [40:06] - Expectations vs. God's Promises
- [43:21] - Joseph's Perspective
- [45:34] - The Privilege of Raising Jesus
- [46:23] - Divine Guidance
- [47:50] - God's Graciousness
- [49:07] - God's Promises Today
- [50:00] - Assurance of God's Presence
- [51:06] - Embracing God's Promises
- [52:04] - Letting Go of Expectations
- [52:46] - The Promise of Salvation
- [54:29] - Communion and Reflection
- [56:29] - Thanksgiving for God's Promises
- [57:25] - Communion Participation
- [01:08:13] - Offering and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Joseph's initial reaction upon learning about Mary's pregnancy, and what does this reveal about his character? [26:55]
2. How did the angel's message to Joseph in his dream change his perspective on the situation? [29:13]
3. What specific promises did the angel convey to Joseph regarding the child Mary was carrying? [29:13]
4. How did Joseph respond to the angel's instructions, and what does this indicate about his faith? [31:27]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Joseph's willingness to trust God's promise, despite societal judgment and personal uncertainty, teach about the nature of faith? [31:27]
2. How does Joseph's story illustrate the difference between human expectations and divine promises? [40:06]
3. In what ways does Joseph's experience highlight the presence of God during times of uncertainty and challenge? [46:23]
4. How does the sermon suggest that God's promises might extend beyond our lifetime, and what implications does this have for our faith journey? [47:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that defied your understanding. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Joseph's example of trust in God's promises? [31:27]
2. Consider the expectations you have placed on God's promises in your life. How might letting go of these expectations allow you to embrace God's plan more fully? [40:06]
3. Joseph experienced God's presence in profound ways despite uncertainty. How can you seek and recognize God's presence in your own challenging situations? [46:23]
4. Joseph had the privilege of being part of God's plan, even when it involved sacrifice. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to participate in His divine purpose? [45:34]
5. How can you cultivate patience and faith when God's promises seem to take longer to fulfill than you expected? [47:50]
6. Identify a promise from God that you are currently holding onto. How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and trust in His timing? [50:00]
7. Joseph likely did not see the fulfillment of all God's promises in his lifetime. How can you maintain an eternal perspective in your faith journey, knowing that God's promises transcend time? [47:50]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Trust Beyond Understanding
Joseph's story is a powerful testament to the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when they defy our understanding. When Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, he faced a situation that was both confusing and challenging. Yet, he chose to trust the message delivered by an angel, embracing his role in God's divine plan. This trust was not without its difficulties, as Joseph had to navigate societal judgment and the uncertainty of fleeing to Egypt. However, his faith in God's promises allowed him to experience the profound privilege of raising the Messiah. Joseph's journey teaches us that God's promises are steadfast and reliable, even when they do not align with our expectations or understanding. [21:31]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you struggle to understand God's plan. How can you actively choose to trust in His promises today, even when the path seems unclear?
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Day 2: Letting Go of Expectations
We often impose our own expectations on God's promises, which can lead to disappointment when things don't unfold as we imagined. Joseph's life exemplifies this struggle, as he likely had his own dreams and plans that were upended by the news of Mary's pregnancy. Despite this, Joseph chose to let go of his expectations and embrace God's plan, which was far greater than anything he could have envisioned. This act of surrender allowed him to fully participate in God's divine purpose, experiencing the joy and grace that comes with trusting in God's promises. Letting go of our expectations can be difficult, but it opens us up to the incredible possibilities that God has in store for us. [40:06]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Identify an expectation you have placed on God that has led to disappointment. How can you release this expectation and open yourself to the greater plan God has for you?
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Day 3: Finding God's Presence in Uncertainty
Joseph's journey was filled with uncertainty and challenges, yet he experienced God's presence in profound ways. From the angelic message that reassured him to the guidance he received in dreams, Joseph was continually reminded of God's presence in his life. This assurance provided him with peace and guidance, even in the most difficult times. God's promises are not about providing comfort or clarity but about fulfilling His divine plan. They assure us of His presence, offering us peace and guidance as we navigate the uncertainties of life. Joseph's story encourages us to seek God's presence in our own lives, trusting that He is with us every step of the way. [46:23]
Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel uncertain or challenged? How can you seek and recognize God's presence and guidance in these moments?
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Day 4: Embracing the Privilege of God's Plan
Joseph had the unique privilege of raising Jesus, the Messiah, highlighting the incredible honor of being part of God's plan. This privilege came with its own set of challenges and sacrifices, yet Joseph embraced his role with faith and dedication. God's promises invite us to participate in His divine purpose, offering us a life filled with His joy and grace. Joseph's story reminds us that being part of God's plan is a profound privilege, even when it involves sacrifice and hardship. As we reflect on our own lives, we are encouraged to embrace the roles God has given us, trusting that they are part of His greater plan. [45:34]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Consider the roles and responsibilities God has placed in your life. How can you embrace these with a sense of privilege and purpose, knowing they are part of His divine plan?
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Day 5: Trusting in God's Eternal Promises
Joseph likely did not see the fulfillment of all God's promises in his lifetime, yet he trusted in God's faithfulness. This trust in God's eternal promises reminds us of the importance of having an eternal perspective. God's promises extend beyond our lifetime, inviting us to participate in His salvation plan and offering us a life filled with His joy and grace. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we are encouraged to trust in the promises God has made, knowing they are far greater than anything we could envision. This eternal perspective allows us to live with hope and purpose, trusting in God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. [47:50]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective, trusting in God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises?
Quotes
"I hope if you can't already, that someday you'll come to a place in your faith that like Mary, you can say, I trust God's plan. I trust his plan. He always has one. I trust that it's always good. In fact, even though I can't always see in the moment, I know that his plan is always better than mine." [00:18:36] (23 seconds)
"Promise, promise is a powerful thing. Promise is a powerful thing, but sometimes people mess it up. People mess up promise. Sometimes people don't keep promises. Sometimes people, us, sometimes we don't follow through, right? And so because of that, actually, sometimes we throw that word promise around. We kind of use it willy nilly and we don't take seriously what we're saying or what we're saying even means. And I want you to walk away today knowing and hearing this, regardless of what people have done in your life. Regardless of what people have done in your life. I want you to walk away today with promise. I want you to walk away today. This shapes our perspective. If God said it, he will do it." [00:20:35] (49 seconds)
"If God said it, he will do it. If he makes a promise, it's going to happen. You can take it to the bank. If there was ever any such thing as insurance and you could count on it, you can count on God's promise." [00:21:31] (21 seconds)
"Look what Joseph did. Verse 24. When Joseph woke up from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. He took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son, and he called his name Jesus. It says he took her as his wife. He went ahead with everything. They did not consummate the marriage because she was already expecting a child, and he called this child Jesus. He did what the angel said. If you want me to summarize for you how Joseph... Joseph reacts to God's promise in his life, Joseph reacts just recognizing if God said it, he's going to do it." [00:30:40] (44 seconds)
"Well, here's the thing actually about Joseph. In John 19, there's a picture that John gives us of Jesus on the cross. And in John 19 verses 26 and 27, Jesus looks down and it says, Jesus said, when he saw his mother, he said, I'm going to give you a son. I'm going to give you a son. And the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, woman, behold your son, John. And he said to John, behold your mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own home. Why do you have to do that? Where's Joseph? Most theologians have concluded, Joseph's dead at that point." [00:38:13] (54 seconds)
"That's what we tend to do with promises from God. See, what we do is we get a promise from God, or we read a promise from God, and then we start to build our lives around it, which isn't such a bad thing, but for most of us, what that means is we start putting our expectations around it. That's why I just naturally asked the question earlier that we were thinking, like, what do you expect? We just can't let the promise be what it is, and we just can't trust that God's going to do what he says. We put all kinds of expectations around it of how we think it should go, and what we think it should look like, and then when our expectations aren't met, we back off and we say, see, he's just like everyone else." [00:40:06] (52 seconds)
"Joseph, you never even got to see Jesus make it to the cross. You never got to see him and what he would do in his most spectacular moment, laying his life down for us, for you. You never got to see him fulfill this promise that God gave you. Yeah. Isn't God gracious? The son that I got to teach to walk, I didn't have to see him walk half naked through the streets, beaten within an inch of his life, carrying the cross that he was going to hang and die on." [00:47:50] (45 seconds)
"God is never promising. He, God doesn't promise us popularity. He doesn't promise us five year plans. God's not in the business of promising you comfort. He's not promising us wealth. He actually never promises that it would be easy. He actually, he promises it won't be. He says that, and he didn't promise that we were always going to understand either. But from what I've seen in his word, God has promised some amazing things over us. Do you know his promise?" [00:49:07] (39 seconds)
"He said that in him, we would have peace no matter what's going on. It's true. And it's true. He said that he would pour his joy over us. He said that if we stepped into his salvation, we would experience power, taste his grace and walk in new purpose. Purpose that he plants in us. He said that we would get to be part of the salvation plan for other people. Man, that's so awesome. He said that our eyes would see the impossible. And I just have to tell you, the more I follow him every day, I think I'm seeing impossible things happen. Guys, God, all of God's promises are true. I know." [00:50:00] (55 seconds)
"God will never leave me. He will never forsake me. If I draw near to him, he always draws near to me every time. He's never stopped loving me. He's never stopped fighting for me, even when I've been stupid and foolish. He's never stopped pursuing me. Maybe the best gift, maybe the best promise, he gave me his Holy Spirit. His Holy Spirit lives in me, and when I turn to him, I always have guidance. I always have peace and help." [00:51:06] (37 seconds)
"I know that I've been redeemed. I know that I am his child. And I know that right now, even though I can't see it happening, lots of things are working together for my good. He promised it. I know that he's the one who came, so that I can see it happening. So that I can have life and have it to the full. And I know that because I put my faith in him, heaven is my home. I know it. That's why I can look forward to my talk with Joseph." [00:52:04] (39 seconds)
"Because trust me, the promises he has, they're better than your expectations. They're better. They're better. You may think that these promises aren't for you today, but because I have no idea, right? I have no idea what you've done or where you've been. And I'll just tell you, that's a lie from the pit of hell. That's where that's from. Because my Jesus promised, listen to what he promised. He said, if you declare with your mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and you believe in your heart, that God raised him from the dead, that his blood and his sacrifice and his life was poured out because he so loved you, and there is nothing that can keep you from his love. Nothing." [00:52:46] (60 seconds)
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