Scripture Passage: Matthew 1:18-25

An Unexpected Detour (v. 18-19)

Life has a way of catching us off guard. In fact, we can know now that our life will not go exactly how we plan for it to. In our passage from today, Joseph didn’t plan for his wife to get pregnant before their marriage. God interrupted Joseph’s plans for a greater purpose…

An Unexpected Dream (v. 20-23)

God is not far off and removed from us. He did not set creation in motion and then check out. Rather, we see throughout scripture how God continually pursues an intimate relationship with people. God spoke to Joseph through a dream to explain His plan for his life.

An Unexpected Decision (v. 24-25)

We all have to come to a place where we put our trust in God’s control of our life and plans. When we learn to trust and obey God’s leading, we can begin to live the life of true fulfilment that God desires for us. Joseph chose to have faith in God’s plan and abandon his own because he trusted God.

Discussion:

• Share a time when you faced a detour and your plans didn’t go how you had expected.
• Describe the biggest step of faith you have taken to trust God with an area of your life.
• How has your life changed in that area?