Today’s Devotion
Topic: A Significant Decision
Text: Matthew 1: 24.
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. Amen
“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good 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. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” (vv 18-21, 24-25)
It is very likely that any of us would have acted in the same way Joseph had wanted to, or even much worse; having discovered that the woman we have waited for so long to have has taken seed with someone else. To make matters worse, she can’t even point out any ‘physical’ being as being responsible for it — she attributes it to “the power of the Holy Spirit.”
But instead of taking a decision right away, Joseph takes time to consider his desire to break off their engagement quietly. It was in this moment of consideration that the angel of the Lord appears to him and grants him relevant information and guidance that helps him to make a significant decision on this all-important issue.
Beloved, what do you do when you have to take significant decisions on issues in your life? Do you jump to hasty conclusions, or make time to pray and ponder over the choices you may have? Do you go round telling people, or spend time in communion with your God and Father first? Are you able to hear from God on what to do, or the ‘business’ of your life has made it almost impossible to hear the Father’s voice? But even when you have heard Him, do you follow His instructions to the latter or obey Him halfway?
Think on these things today and pray. As one year gives way to another, it is important that you consult God on any decisions you wish to take for the new year and follow His directions. Remember, “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5—7 AMP). See you at church.
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