As we continue into Advent the demands of life - our work, Christian service, family and loved ones can seem overwhelming and maybe you feel completely inadequate to fulfil what you need to be and do in this busy season?
God comes to us with understanding and love. He is our comforter and strengthener, but He also asks us to confidently step into all He’s called us to be. He has a responsibility for each one of us that fits us perfectly because He has called us to live in joy and peace, not under a heavyweight of care.
God met with Joseph at a very challenging time with the gift of his unique God given calling. Joseph had expected his life to follow the pattern of ages, the daily picture of life from all those around him. He would marry Mary, be the head of the family, her provider, and he would care for her and any children they had together. He would work as a carpenter and pass on the business to his sons. It was all waiting to be fulfilled.
But everything changed when the angel gave Mary the earth-shattering news that she would be carrying God’s Son. Joseph wasn’t with her and was in the dark about this incredible news. We know from Matthew’s account that he was completely thrown and was planning to divorce her. I can imagine his turmoil and how all his hopes and expectations came crashing down. Life can knock us sideways at times and this was a truly devastating moment.
I love the tenderness and yet respect with which God dealt with Joseph. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, 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 you are to give him the name Jesus.’ This was beautiful in the depth of understanding it showed of Joseph’s feelings, his grief, fear and confusion and yet it also called him into the empowering of being a father beyond all father’s. A father to God’s own son. What awesome trust God placed in Joseph and indeed, places in us all.
When Joseph realised the unprecedented nature of what was happening, he must have felt so out of his comfort zone. How could he ever take on this responsibility? What resources could he possibly draw on or what map could he follow? But God was there as He is with us all. He guided Joseph, empowered him and reassured him. He gave him wisdom and strength to be all He needed to be and Joseph wonderfully fulfilled his destiny in God’s grace and strength.
Jesus told us that ‘his yoke is easy and his burden is light’ (Matthew 11:28) God comes to us with deepest compassion and understanding of our struggles but He also comes to anoint and equip us to take hold of our God given calling and live it out from an unburdened heart.
I long to rise up into my God given responsibility just as Joseph did. What God calls me to be fits me perfectly, just as it does you. Let’s choose to let go of the wrong burdens and expectations and step into living like Joseph lived under God’s strength, daily guidance and everlasting love.
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