Unexpected

Have you ever experienced an unexpected life changing event in your faith journey? Did you sprint to take action to remedy this interruption in your life plans? Something like this happened to Joseph, Mary's husband. “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.’” Matt. 1:20 (NIV) One key to this verse is, "after he had considered this." What had happed to him was beyond unfortunate, but Joseph did not act hastily. Why would God allow this to happen to him, a law abiding man? He had waited so long, been so faithful. How could she do this terrible thing? I trusted her; now she can’t even admit the truth, to me. As Joseph thought it over, and according to their law, putting her away was the best way to handle the sticky situation. Then, his plans were interrupted again. “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’” (Matt. 1:20). Hmm, this still didn't make any sense. Apparently, Joseph had not acted immediately upon his impulse, but had created time and space in his life to hear from God. Through the angel’s message, Joseph discovered things were not really as they appeared. Though others would not understand the why behind his decision, Joseph would keep moving forward and make Mary his wife. This baby growing in Mary was part of God’s miraculous plan. The Son of God was coming to save us from our sin. So despite whatever fears Joseph may have felt, he chose to trust God’s plan. Life on earth is messy and very unpredictable. Returning to the first question, have you ever experienced an unexpected life changing event in your life? Perhaps there has been a time, as a Christian, you sensed a move God wanted you to make, the Holy Spirit was prompting you. But, it didn’t make sense to others, or maybe it didn’t even make sense to you? Yet, you trusted the Holy Spirit knew what He was doing. Now you look back and see the Spirit’s faithfulness to help you as you took one right step after another. Was Mary surprised by the actions of John the Baptist’s mother? Joseph and Mary’s took tedious steps to Bethlehem. more and more people knew their plight. Did they fully understand? No, they probably didn’t understand all of God’s plan, yet they chose to go the way He had revealed so far. Later, Mary is said to treasure these things in her heart. Unlike Joseph, we may not have an angelic dream, but we can resolve to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance regardless of the opposition.