Positioned to Hear God’s Voice
During the Christmas season, I had the opportunity to read the Christmas story and meditate and research its truths. I was richly blessed, and I desire to share with you some of what the Lord revealed to me.
Joseph is called a “just man” in Mt. 1:19. He was engaged to be married to Mary only to find out that she is pregnant. Can you imagine the thoughts and feelings that were screaming in his head? He knew that if he made it known, that according to law, she could be stoned. He considered Mary a holy woman, but his view of her seemed to run in confusion of the question, “Why?” “How could she do this?” What would Joseph do?”
Many men would have been so angry at a woman betraying his trust, that they would have gladly turned her to the public for stoning. Joseph chose only to break the engagement and remain quiet. Scripture tells us that he was “minded to put her away privily.” Then, verse 20 & 21 says, “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.’”
Joseph could have made a quick decision concerning Mary and thwarted God’s holy plan. Prov. 19:2 says, “…he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” Prov. 29:20 says, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” Had Joseph been crushed and disappointed concerning Mary? Of course he had; but he controlled his emotions, pulled back from the situation, and thought upon the situation. Because he could control his flesh, he was positioned to hear the Truths concerning Mary.
Psalms 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Oh, if we like Joseph would control the immediate feelings and emotions that attempt to overcome us because of a moment of hurt, agitation, frustration, anger, and etc., it could be that the Lord would reveal to us what He is doing in those circumstances. How many times do we thwart God’s holy plan because we are not positioned to hear His voice.