When the right thing is not the easy thing
December 7
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph had a choice when he discovered Mary was pregnant. He could publicly divorce Mary, which would have led to Mary being stoned. Or, he could try to divorce Mary quietly.
Then, God gives Joseph a third option: Go through with the wedding.
Matthew 1:20 says, “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.’”
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
Marrying Mary wasn’t on Joseph’s mind until the angel showed up. It just wasn’t done. In their culture, marrying Mary required more faith than getting a divorce.
Like Joseph, we will face decisions that challenge our faith. We’ll find ourselves in situations where obeying God will make us look crazy.
When that happens, remember God’s words from Isaiah 55:8-9, "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
What’s easy is not always right. And what’s right is not always easy.
When we ask God to show us the way, He does. Sometimes, He affirms what we’re already thinking. But other times, as He did with Joseph, God leads us to a faith-filled option we never knew was possible.
Reflect:
When was the last time you had to make a difficult choice? How did you arrive at your decision?
What decisions are you facing this week that will require greater faith? Take some time to pray and ask God what He would have you do.