Wednesday, November 30 – Matthew 1:22-25

Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.

 

Sometimes we are so convicted by something that it almost immediately causes us to change our ways. Other times something stirs us emotionally but falls flat when it comes to producing lasting change. When Joseph received the message from the angel regarding Mary and the child, his response was obedience. Joseph, without knowing how all the pieces would come together, took to the next step God put before him.

 

When we receive conviction or direction from the Lord, do we have the same heart? Sometimes the task ahead can feel so overwhelming it is hard to even take the first step. God was leading Joseph into a greater legacy, a fulfillment of a prophesy that was bigger than himself, and instead of getting weighed down by the pressure of it all, Joseph simply took the next step he was given, trusting God to work. Just like many people in the Bible, we typically don’t get the full picture upfront that shows how all the details will come together in our lives. There are so many questions we have or things we would like to see resolved. Praise God that we can hold onto the hope we have that He is with us every step of the way, piecing together this grand narrative as He did for Joseph and so many others in Scripture. Seek Him and be ready to answer His direction, trusting Him every step of the way.

 

• Do you like to know the details or is it easier for you to go with the flow? Explain.
• What is a situation you need to trust God in this week?
• Pray and lift up the different situations going on in your life. Ask for God’s direction on the next step and pray for a heart that is ready to listen and receive His direction.