In what city was Jesus born?

Your Daily Devotion From Doctor Tabor

“. . . do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and . . . he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:20–21

Courageously Obey

Engaged to be married, Joseph had big plans for his life ahead with Mary. But Mary became pregnant. He did not know how, but he knew that he was not the father of her baby. He was hurt, and in order to avoid embarrassment, he decided to break it off with Mary quietly. An angel came to him in a dream and told him to go ahead with the marriage because Mary’s baby was the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. He probably did not understand all of what he heard, but he went ahead with the marriage.

Joseph’s story tells of a change in life plans. This happens to all of us. We all have stories of disappointment and heartbreak. We thought we were going one way, and we end up somewhere else. Sometimes we can see God’s leading, but often we are not given a reason. We have to move on and do the best we can, knowing that God’s plan might be different from ours.

This requires courage and trust. We call upon God to redeem and use our new circumstances, knowing he loves us and knows best. Even with the inside information from the angel, Joseph faced ridicule, loss of reputation, and ostracism. It took courage for him to take on his new family and his new mission in life. Joseph courageously obeyed God.

Pray: “God, help me to trust that you are in the middle of all of the events in my life. Help me to courageously obey your will.”

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