We refer to Mary as the chosen one, yet God chose Joseph as well. He saw in him a man after His own heart, a man who was qualified to love His Son and raise Him as his own. A man who would stand beside Mary and love her for better or for worse. Joseph’s faithfulness and strength of character would be put to the test over and over again
Oh, that we might have the same attitude when God’s plans capsize our own. May we face disruptions with humble acceptance. May we say, my soul praises the Lord, even when our journey is rerouted, acknowledging that God’s unexpecteds are always far better than our own feeble plans.
Where was God in Joseph’s darkest hour? Right where He needed to be – in the midst of it – fulfilling His marvelous plan for man’s salvation. In Joseph’s darkest moments, God was nearer to him than ever before.
Mary’s story is one of submission and willingness. She realized life would never be the same again, yet she accepted God’s sovereign purpose because she knew she could fully trust Him.
God is anything but indifferent, fickle, callous, or cruel. He’s not heartless, nor does He look the other way. On the contrary, God is a loving heavenly Father. He cares so much He sent His beloved Son to bear the punishment we deserve. And one day, He will bring justice to our broken world.
Jesus’ birth was not just some random act. Long before the world was made, God planned to send His Son. The intricate weaving of history, from God’s prophecy in Genesis 3:15 to the cross itself, are part of God’s wonderful plan. His promise to raise up One whose kingdom would never end – and its fulfillment – offers us hope and confidence that The One who gave this promise will bring to fruition the rest of His wonderful promises both now and forever.
God countered Zechariah’s doubt by working a jaw-dropping miracle; He turned their barrenness into blessing. The woman who was ‘too old’ became a mother. Those empty arms would be empty no more. For she would bear a son. Gloom would be transformed into gladness.
As I snipped here and cut there, I was reminded of God’s work in my life. Sometimes God has to bend my will according to His purpose. Though most times it isn’t a pleasant process, I realize He has a design and a purpose for my future. I need to yield to His hand, assured that His plans are for good and not for evil and that the finished product will be stunning.
The depth of His love knows no bounds. It reaches all the way down to our broken world in the form of a baby. It stretches into the darkness and silence of the tomb. It mounts up into heaven where He is preparing a place for us. Whether I sink to the lowest depths or mount up to the highest peak, God is and always will be with me. What tremendous comfort this brings me!
But God…. Two pivotal words that change everything. They bring light into our darkest nights. They offer hope to those who grieve. They provide strength to the suffering who aren’t guaranteed another tomorrow. They remind us God can redeem our failures. They transform the impossible into the possible.
