What happens when life doesn’t go as planned?

Ever had one of those curveballs you never saw coming? A job loss, a breakup, or that dream plan come crashing down? It can be rough. 

Let’s take a look at Joseph, the one from the New Testament in the Bible. He was engaged to Mary, looking forward to a future with her, when everything changed. Mary was pregnant, and the baby wasn’t even his. 

Can you imagine the confusion? The hurt? 

Yet Joseph didn’t blow up or walk away. Instead, he trusted God and stepped into a role he never expected.

There’s so much we can learn from Joseph’s response if we’re willing. And we’ll see new opportunities and God’s grace overflowing in ways we could barely imagine.

Joseph wasn’t perfect, but he stayed grounded in and built his life on God’s Word. Even when everything flipped upside down, he didn’t drift.

If we’re honest, it’s so tempting to giving on hoping for something different when life falls apart. Maybe you’ve had moments this year where you thought, “God, where are You in this mess?” 

Joseph’s story shows us that we’re better equipped to handle the unexpected when we don’t let our emotions have the final say

As you prepare for a new season, ask yourself:

• Am I building my life on what the Bible says or letting circumstances run the show?
• Where is God asking me to trust Him, even when it’s hard?

Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. It’s about holding onto God when everything else feels shaky.

Want to know something wild about Joseph’s reaction? He found out about Mary’s pregnancy, and instead of exploding or humiliating her, he chose mercy. He decided to protect her, even before he received clarity from God.

How often do we react too quickly when someone lets us down? It’s easy to snap, hold grudges, or assume the worst, but Joseph shows us something powerful in his response. Mercy creates space for God to move. 

Think about this:

• Is there someone in your life who needs mercy instead of judgment?
• Could showing them mercy change your perspective—and maybe theirs too?

Mercy doesn’t ignore wrongs. We choose to give people the same kind of grace God gives us every day.

An angel told Joseph, “Take Mary home as your wife… what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Could God really be serious? Didn’t He know how that would make Joseph look? But instead of arguing, Joseph trusted.

Trusting God’s plan can feel terrifying. Maybe He’s nudging you to start something new, take a risk, or let something go. It’s hard when we can’t see the whole picture, isn’t it?

But here’s the truth: God sees what we can’t. Joseph didn’t know his obedience would play a part in the greatest story of human history All he knew was God asked him to trust, and that was enough..

Here’s a challenge:

• What step of faith is God calling me to take?
• Am I willing to trust His plan over my own?

God’s plans are better than our ways. Always.

Joseph gave up a lot. In his culture, he had the right to name his child and step fully into his role as a husband. But he set those rights aside because he knew God held something better. 

Letting go isn’t easy. We like control. We hold tightly to our plans because they feel safer, but often, when we finally let go, we realize God has something far better waiting for us.  

Joesph’s humility reminds us that when we’re willing to give up what we think we deserve, God shows up in ways we never imagined. 

Shift your focus:

• What’s something you’re holding onto that God might be asking you to let go of?
• Could surrendering your plans lead to something better?

Humility isn’t weakness. It’s trusting that God knows best.

Joseph’s story isn’t just a Christmas tale. It’s a blueprint  for living with faith and grace every day.

Here’s how we can take these lessons into our next season:

• Stay grounded in God’s Word. Start your day with Scripture and let it shape your choices.
• Lead with mercy. Pause before reacting and choose to give the grace you’d want to receive. 
• Trust God’s voice. When He prompts you, obey; don’t overthink it.
• Surrender your plans. Trust that His ways are better than ours.

Joseph didn’t know the whole story, but he trusted God anyway. Because of his faith, God opened a door for him to experience a blessing beyond anything he could’ve imagined.

Now, God invites us to do the same. The door is open. 

The question for us: Are we ready to take that first step of faith?

If you want to learn more from Joseph’s story, be a part of this!