How should we respond when God's plans differ from our expectations, as in Genesis 48:17? A Surprising Scene: Genesis 48:17 “ When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; so he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s.” Joseph expected the customary blessing on his firstborn, yet Jacob—guided by God—crossed his hands. The moment captures the unease we feel when the Lord’s path diverges from ours. Why God’s Way Often Confounds Ours • His wisdom surpasses ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). • He delights in displaying grace beyond human hierarchies (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Common Reflexes When Plans Clash • Displeasure—an inward protest, as with Joseph. • Grasping control—trying to “move the hand” back where we think it belongs. • Questioning fairness—measuring God by human standards. Healthy Responses Modeled in Scripture 1. Yielding Trust – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 2. Humble Submission – “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) 3. Worshipful Acceptance – “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21) 4. Reoriented Perspective – Renew the mind so we “approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Practical Steps When Expectations Are Upended • Pause before reacting; seek the Spirit’s calming influence. • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty aloud to disarm frustration. • Revisit His promises—Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 16:9. • Thank Him for specific past occasions when His detours produced greater good. • Move forward in obedience to the light He has given, even if fuller understanding waits. Encouragement for the Journey Jacob’s crossed-hand blessing proved prophetic: Ephraim surpassed Manasseh (Numbers 1:32-33). What felt wrong to Joseph was right to God. Every unexpected turn invites the same confidence—He is faithful, His purposes are flawless, and His hand, though sometimes crossing ours, never misses its mark. |
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