Challenges in life- Devotional 1

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-21)(KJV)

Joseph was a just man and when he found that Mary who was betrothed to him was pregnant, he decided not to publicly condemn her, but divorce her quietly. Mary's punishment for adultery would have been stoning to death according to the Law, but Joseph was merciful and did not make a hue and cry. But while he thought on these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to fear taking Mary as wife, for that which was conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit and a promise was given to him that Mary would deliver a son and he was to call his name Jesus, for he would save God's people from their sins.

This was a real challenge in Joseph's life because what he had heard from the angel was unheard of.....that which was conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit . Could he rely on a dream that he had seen? Many a conflicting thought would have passed through his mind,yet we see him responding to the challenge in a worthy manner....

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:24, 25)(KJV)

Joseph obeyed God, despite the fact that he did not fully understand things that were happening in the life of Mary and in his married life. He was patient and waited for God's promise to be fulfilled, before he had bodily relations with her. Joseph faced many challenges even after the birth of Jesus, yet he remained faithful to God.

God calls us also to be just, merciful, obedient and faithful as Joseph was. He helps us in the challenges we face in life. Praise be to his holy name.