Divine Diversions

Our Daily Bread 

Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn

READ: Matthew 1:18-25

And he called His name Jesus. —Matthew 1:25

I tend to get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my routines and plans can be very annoying. Worse yet, life’s diversions are sometimes unsettling and painful. But God, who said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8), knows that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original plans.

Think of Joseph. God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s chosen people from starvation. Or of Moses, who was diverted from the luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in preparation to lead God’s people toward the Promised Land. Or of Joseph and Mary to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Joseph believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him, surrendered to the diversion, and obediently “called His name Jesus” (v.25). The rest is wonderful history!

We can trust God’s greater plans as He does His far better work in the history of our lives. —Joe Stowell

Lord, teach us to be willing to adjust our plans to conform to Yours. You have greater things in store for us than we could ever dream, so help us to patiently wait for You to work in the circumstances of our lives.

Let God direct—or redirect—your steps.

About Our Daily Bread

Since it was first published in 1956, Our Daily Bread has become the resource for which RBC Ministries is best known. The daily devotional thoughts published in Our Daily Bread help readers spend time each day in God’s Word.

Our Daily Bread is published and distributed worldwide in more than 40 languages by RBC Ministries offices around the globe.  RBC Ministries also produces a variety of other Bible resources, which are available for the asking.  RBC Ministries is not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.  Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable RBC Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.

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