We all want the new things the Lord has for us, but most of us do not like the uncertainty of the unknown that it might bring. The angel of the Lord visited Mary and declared the birth of Jesus. This began a new era for God’s people as the Lord sent His only son to the earth! However, Jesus’ birth also brought much uncertainty to Joseph and Mary!
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph was a just man who was about to be married to Mary. He was a simple man minding his own business until he found out that his future wife was already pregnant. That was not part of the plan. Her pregnancy would have been complete humiliation for him and his family. If he had protested Mary’s pregnancy, it could have cost Mary her life. She would have been accused of fornication and/or adultery, and she could have been stoned.
Joseph was stuck trying to figure out how best to handle the situation. While this was an amazing time for humanity, it was an uncertain time for Joseph. He had no clue what was going on. This must have also been a difficult time for Mary not knowing if Joseph would believe her. While she had accepted the gift of God from above, Mary still had to walk through the uncertainty of how God would work this out for her.
God in His mercy, sent an angel to speak to Joseph in his dream and help him understand that Mary had not done anything wrong to get pregnant but that this child was from the Lord!
Are you in a situation where God has asked you to step into something new? Are you uncertain about how things are going to work out? Well, you are not alone!
When God begins something new in our lives, generally, He doesn’t tell us the whole plan all at once. He also doesn’t show us how things are going to look like years down the road. All we can do is to step into the new expecting the uncertainty. That means we need to rely on the Lord step by step and not lean on our own understanding.
Initially, Joseph was leaning on his own understanding trying to find a way out of the engagement and marriage, but the Lord mercifully, gave him instruction and direction about what he should and shouldn’t do.
Has the Lord been speaking to you about some changes in your life? Are you worried about what people will think of you? If the Lord has clearly spoken to you and you don’t have your own personal agenda, then you can be confident that the Lord is going to back up His leading in your life.
In verse 20, the angel tells Joseph not to be afraid. Uncertainty brings about fear because we are not in control, neither can we plan an outcome. Uncertainty drives us to a new level of dependency on God and the need to hear His precious voice. As much as we like to talk about dependency on the Lord, it is not a comfortable thing to do. Most people like to stay in charge of their lives and plan it their way.
Jospeh and Mary both listened to God’s voice through the angelic visitations, showed great courage by trusting God, learned to depend on the Lord every step of the way, and did not lean on their own understanding.
When we look at the Biblical characters, many of them were faced with uncertain situations. The Lord encouraged His leaders not to be afraid and to step into the new. I wonder what God is speaking to each one of us about what He wants us to be doing in the new year.
I am not trying to encourage you to do something wild, crazy, or unBiblical. However, if you have received counsel from Godly, mature, and wise people, and you know this is the Lord speaking to you, it may be time to step into the unknown. Let God be God and Let Him lead you step by step just as He led Joseph and Mary!
Wow!!!! Such a good and timely word. Thank you!!!
Praise God! I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for sharing.