How can we trust God's unexpected plans in our lives, like Ephraim's blessing? A Surprising Switch of Blessing “His father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know; he too will become a people, and he too will be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations.’ ” – Genesis 48:19 Joseph positions Manasseh (the firstborn) for the greater blessing. Jacob deliberately crosses his hands, placing the right hand on Ephraim. In one moment God overturns expectation, establishing a theme that runs through the entire Bible: His purposes stand, even when they surprise us. Tracing the Pattern of God’s Unexpected Plans • Abraham and Sarah welcome Isaac long after hope seems gone (Genesis 21:1–3). • Youngest-son David is anointed king while still overlooked in the fields (1 Samuel 16:7–13). • Gideon, hiding in fear, is called “mighty warrior” and used to deliver Israel (Judges 6:11–16). • Mary, a humble village girl, becomes mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:26–38). • Saul the persecutor turns apostle Paul, bearing Christ’s name before nations (Acts 9:1–15). The same God orchestrating these reversals stands behind Jacob’s crossed-hand blessing. Why God Often Chooses the Unexpected • To highlight His sovereignty: “My thoughts are not your thoughts… ” (Isaiah 55:8-9). • To upend human pride and self-reliance (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • To showcase grace—unearned favor, not entitlement. Manasseh did nothing wrong; Ephraim did nothing special. The blessing rests on God’s freedom to give. How to Rest When Plans Shift • Trust His character. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds” (Psalm 145:17). If He reroutes a path, His goodness remains untouched. • Remember His promises. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28). “All things” includes the unexpected. • Submit your timeline. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust, not lean on our own understanding; He straightens paths in His time. • Look for the bigger canvas. Jacob’s act shaped the future tribes and, through them, the unfolding story leading to Christ. Our detours may ripple farther than we see. Practical Steps for Today • Write down the surprise you’re facing. Beside it, list Scriptures affirming God’s faithfulness (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 37:5; Romans 8:32). • Celebrate past reversals. Note times God turned disappointment into blessing, strengthening confidence for the present. • Speak gratitude aloud. Thank Him in advance for outcomes you cannot yet envision. Gratitude feeds trust. • Walk in obedience with what you know today. Jacob did not waver; he blessed according to God’s leading. Our obedience in small steps invites His larger guidance. Encouragement for the Journey Jacob’s crossed hands remind us that God’s plans may cross ours, but they never falter. When He blesses in an unforeseen way, He is not removing good; He is realigning us with a better good—one that serves His glory and our ultimate joy. Hold your expectations loosely; hold His word tightly. In every unexpected turn, the faithful hand that blessed Ephraim is still writing your story. |
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