Joseph

 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.’       Matthew 1.20

Deep satisfaction tingled through Joseph’s fingers. The wood’s imperfections yielded to his touch. Beeswax would seal the table’s beauty, providing a durable surface for family meals.

Family. The word pierced his heart deeper than the roots of the tallest cedar. Mary, his betrothed, pregnant with another man’s child.

What is worse? Joseph wondered. That she betrayed me or God? Should I expose her? Should I marry her? What about my reputation? People will assume I committed this unthinkable sin. I thought she was the one. If I divorce her quietly, it might protect her from public shame. It’s the right thing to do.

‘Lord,’ Joseph prayed, ‘I don’t understand. You have always been faithful. When the perfect cedar for my project fell at the ax of another carpenter, You provided a more perfect one in the forest beyond. I trust You now to provide a more perfect wife. Adonai.’

Instead, God provided a dream. ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,’ the angel said. Joseph was at a  crossroads. The logical choice was divorce. The courageous choice was to trust God instead of relying on his own understanding. Imagine God’s trust in Joseph to choose him to be the stepfather to His Son! God trusted Joseph. Joseph trusted God. 

Lord Jesus, when i stand at the crossroads, fill me with courage to trust You instead of relying on my own understanding. It is Your faithfulness that enables me to faithfully trust You regardless of the circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.     Proverbs 3.5-6