Tuesday, December 1

Scripture:

“Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’… When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.” Matthew 1:19-20,24

Observation:

An unsung hero of the Christmas story is Joseph. Joseph could have disgraced Mary for becoming pregnant before they were wed. He could even have had her stoned to death based on the laws of that time. But instead of letting hurt or embarrassment control his response, he chose to obey the Lord through the instructions the angel gave. They’re one example we see in the Bible of a blended family. Throughout Jesus’ young life, we see the Lord instructing Joseph on how to protect and proceed with his family. He was not Jesus’ biological father, but he stepped up and honored the role God had entrusted to him for Jesus’ life.

Application:

Maybe you are facing a situation right now that feels unfair. Maybe you feel unseen in the midst of it. But just like God saw Joseph and had a specific plan for him in the midst of what would have felt embarrassing and unfair, He has a plan for you too. Ask God how He wants to use you today in whatever situation you face. He sees you and He loves you!

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you that you see me in the midst of _________. I know that you have a purpose for me. Help me to not let my hurt, frustration, or fear cloud my ability to hear you and act the way you want me to. Amen.