Monday, December 11, 2017

When God Messes With Your Life

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18

Can you remember those days of your engagement? You had fallen in love with the dream of your life.  There came that time when you made up your mind to ask her to marry you.  AND SHE AGREED! I imagine young Joseph.  The wedding date is approaching, and he is making preparations. I can see Mary.  The date every young lady lives for is just about here. She is so excited as she and her parents make the wedding plans. She and Joseph have such dreams for their lives together. But then, GOD MESSED WITH THEIR LIVES!
It was not ever in their plans for Mary to become pregnant before their wedding night.  And certainly, the idea of becoming pregnant miraculously and giving birth to the Lord Jesus Christ was not the foremost of their thinking.  Mary's reaction to the news was one of perplexity.  She asks in Luke 1:34; "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"
Joseph's reaction was a little different.  He has a decision to make.  Should he believe that Mary has been faithful to him and that she had miraculously become pregnant with the Son of God?  Of course, you know the rest of the story.  They did get married, she did give birth to the Messiah, and the rest is history!
Three Observations Based Upon This Biblical Scene
  1. God Does Not Ask Permission When He Messes With Our Life!
I do not note any passage where the angel announcing God's plan, asks Mary or Joseph if this is acceptable with them!  God simply told them His plan and will for their lives!  God has a plan for your life.  He made that plan before He created the world and He has no intention of asking your permission to proceed with His plan! 
  1. God's Plan Is Not Always Easy On Us.
Sometimes we think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be a bed of roses and life will be without trial or difficulty. That was not the case for Joseph and Mary. Consider the following:
a.    Why didn't God work it out so the Tax was collected either before Joseph and Mary were married, or after the Baby was born? 
b.    The baby was born in a manger because there was no room in the Inn. 
c.    Why were they forced to flee Bethlehem to Egypt because of the threat of King Herod?
He isn't making it easy for them, even though they are obeying the will of God for their lives.  When we choose the way that looks the easiest, we aren't necessarily choosing the way that is the will of God!  God does not promise us an easy trip.  He promises to be with us as we take it!
  1. Though Things May Be Difficult, God Will Bless His Plan.
And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. Luke 2:33 
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.  Luke 2:40
Ultimately, Jesus grew up to be a blessing to the whole world!  God's plan for our lives isn't always an easy one.  But it is a plan that will lead to our being a blessing to many if we will agree to follow god's plan no matter how difficult!

Scripture to Claim:  She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21…

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