Matthew 1:19-20 “Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace planned to dismiss her quietly.  But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream...”

Our best laid plans sometimes just aren't lined up with God’s plan.  When I read this passage this morning I couldn't help but feel the sorrow and pain Joseph must have been experiencing.  The torment he went through coming to this decision is something we cannot see on the pages but we can easily imagine.  He was a righteous man and he was betrothed to a young maiden.  He had likely been spending time getting to know her and maybe even falling in love with her.  Suddenly he finds that she is with child! It does not say he was angry and he did not lash out in judgment.  He decided to let her avoid the deathly judgment of the law and quietly send her away so she could live.  God had other plans for Mary and Joseph and when He spoke to Joseph in a dream, it was powerful enough to change Joseph’s heart and mind.  God has a way of getting His message through to us doesn't He?  He speaks to us in many ways but do we listen?  When I hear him loud and clear, do I brush it off or do I listen and allow him to change my heart and my mind?  Maybe we could all learn a lesson from Joseph.

Lord,

It is as clear as the ink on the page that you speak to us, you seek us out and give us guidance for our lives.  Forgive our callous hearts and our deaf ears.  Open us to your word and let us truly hear what you have to say to us this day.   Move us into obedience as we seek you and your kingdom.  Amen.