We hope for so many things in life, but are often confounded and confused when:

• Our boss takes the company in a whole new direction than we’re prepared to go.
• When our pastor shuts down a ministry, we feel is essential.
• When our spouse has a completely different parenting style than we do.

How do we respond?

I didn’t get my first car until after college. I’d already been married for three months when my parents gave me my mom’s old car for a graduation gift. But I was thrilled! I loved my little white hatchback pinto with kelly-green interior! I wasn’t so thrilled about having to wait for it all through high school and college though.

When I had asked my dad in high school if he and Mom would buy me a car, he said, “In our family we buy education, not cars.” It was hard not to give in to anger and self-pity. It was embarrassing to be the only high school senior on the school bus, and hitch rides from friends who got their first car from their parents when they turned 16. I continued to walk, take my bike, or get rides all through college.

However, when I graduated, I was so thankful that my college degree didn’t come burdened with the debt load most of my friends struggled with for years. Dad did indeed know best.

Jesus’ disciples learned this same lesson during the 3 ½ years they followed Him, and after He ascended into heaven. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, hopefully you’re learning this same reality. Though we don’t always get what we hope for, our Father knows best.

God’s good gifts—like Jesus’ resurrection—don’t always appear good at the outset. The disciples had to live through the fear and horror of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion before He rose from the dead three days later. It was certainly not what they expected. It was as backward and unexpected as Jesus’ arrival that first Christmas.

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’” (Matt. 1:18-21).

The King of kings was not born in palatial splendor. He was born to a poor virgin and her fiancé, in a stable on their way to pay an unfair and inconvenient tax. Joseph and Mary were not expecting to be the chosen parents of the Savior, yet they faithfully accepted the call. They found out the Father’s plan was so much better than what they had planned for their lives—not easy, but grander and fuller than anything they might have imagined.  

We all have hopes and expectations for our Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow and the Christmas season ahead. Things have a way of happening that we didn’t plan on—from burnt turkey and unexpected company, to illness and job loss. When God allows the unexpected to happen, pause and take a breath. Look up and ask Him how He wants to use this to bring greater hope to you or others in the long run. It may not be what you planned, but it may end up being something eternally better.

I found this worshipful song perfect for Thanksgiving, or anytime. Let’s be thankful to our wonderful God! “I Am Thankful” by Anointed Praise.