Your ShelfYour Projects

Our Plans

13%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 5.

Read the full edition

Our Plans

By J. S. Rouse

J. S. ROUSE
WHEN Joseph was about eighteen years old, no doubt he had begun to make some plans for his future life; but surely after he had the dreams of the sheaves and the sun, moon, and stars, with the interpretation plainly before him, he began to conjecture as to how the fulfilment of these would take place. How perfectly natural it would be for him to say, “If father and mother and the boys are to bow to me, I must first be exalted, for it is to kings and governors that tribute or homage is due.” With such thoughts in his mind, no doubt the young lad laid some plans to carry out the desire of his ambitious character.
His father had presented him with the seamless garment, thus showing the desire he had for the exaltation of his dearly beloved son to the sacred calling of the priesthood. However, whatever plans this child of God had in his mind for himself must have changed when he was sold to the Ishmaelitish merchant-men. Later, when he was cast into prison, his plans to exalt himself all went to pieces.
While in prison he had time to reflect and seek the Lord, that he might be free from all evil thoughts against his brethren for their misconduct toward him. While thus engaged in seeking the Lord, he began to see the plan that God had for him. He praised the Lord that he had helped him to forget all the evil of his father’s house, and all the toil brought upon him by his brethren.
The Lord’s plan for Joseph could now begin to be realized. When God allows our plans to go to pieces, it is because he has greater and better plans to be carried out in our lives.
Joseph was brought from prison, and made powerful in the kingdom of Egypt. When he afterwards met his brethren, he could say: “So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” Joseph could now see the hand of God in all the perplexities that had come to him.
How patient we should be when our air castles fall and go to pieces, remembering that God has a far greater plan for us.