Following God when it is difficult can be trying. Have you followed the Lord when it is difficult? It is at this time when you may feel you are alone against the world. Perhaps you chose to follow Jesus, and now life just seems too hard. Perhaps your unbelieving family doesn’t understand.
What was important to you in the past may not be now and different things are important. No one seems to understand or agree with your decisions, even when you know they align with God’s Word. If you have found yourself in this place, you are not alone. The good news is no matter the difficulty of your journey the Lord is with you. Psalm 27:1“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” [1]
Following the Lord Was Not Easy for Joseph, the Husband of Mary
Joseph was engaged to Mary, and all seemed to be going well. Then he found out she was pregnant. I can imagine his disappointment, but God intervened to give him insight and revelation. Matthew 1:19 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.
20 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. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [2]
God’s Plans for Joseph Would be Hard, but Worth It
As we continue with the story, we see how Joseph reacted to God’s plan for His life. He is truly a man of great character. Matthew 1:24When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.[3] Mary would have been considered pregnant out of wedlock, which would have been very shameful in the day for both Joseph and Mary.
Joseph was obedient. It would have been hard, but Joseph was able to care for Mary and the Messiah. He will be known into eternity for his part on that first Christmas.
Today the Lord maybe calling you to walk a trail few people will travel. It is a path of being the salt and light in a dark world. It may not be an easy path, but it is God’s plan for your life. He wants to work through you to make a difference in the world. He is calling you to be a Kingdom Builder. Romans 8:14“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” [4] Be blessed as you let the Lord lead you.
If you need help following God when it is difficult, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/coming-of-messiah-god-reassures-joseph
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.