Sunday, December 16, 2007

God Has Had It All Planned

 
Matthew 1:18-21 "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, 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, because he will save his people from their sins."
 
Joseph must have felt so many emotions leading up to and resulting from his dream.  I can only imagine what kind of pity party he could have sunk into asking himself, "Why me?"  He could have dwelt on how insignificant and alone he felt, or how unfair life is, or how hard his road was going to be...but I don't think he did.  He stuck around!  He did not discreetly leave Mary, he did not lay around all day and whine, he did what he needed to do in his role no matter what it was that God had chosen for him to do.   I believe God would not have chosen Joseph for Mary's husband if he was going to sink into a dark, sour attitude whenever it turned out his pledged wife was found to be with child and they hadn't had their wedding night yet!  I know that God has given us free will to make our own choices but I also know that He is all knowing and so already knows what choice we are going to make.  I also think this a determining factor in what path God places you on, what talents He gives you, what timing He uses and what people He surrounds you with.  I don't know how theologically correct this all is, I just know that in my heart I believe we can learn huge humility lessons from Joseph in accepting God's plan for our lives, in placing our complete trust in Him that His will for our lives is perfect and part of a much bigger picture and in letting God take care of all the important stuff so we do not need to fall into a pity party.  I heard something on the radio about how we are equipped to handle what life throws at us today, it's usually when we start to fret over what tomorrow will bring that we begin to feel overwhelmed.  So let's focus on today, let's quiet our hearts and listen for God to tell us what He has planned and let's accept that His plan is right for our lives and He will be here with us for every single step of our journey.  I have a new sister in Christ I am adding to our prayer list, she needs prayers for healing, for comfort for strength and for financial means to afford her medicine and provide for her family.  Please join me in prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Matthew 1:19 which shows us that Joseph was human with doubts just as we all are.  We thank You as well for quickly letting us know that he did not dwell on that thought long because You sent Your angel to him in his dreams to reveal Your perfect plan for his life.  When we feel alone, afraid, disappointed or insignificant please help us to remember that everything has a reason and that we will learn and grow from the tough times and that when we keep our faith in You and Your promises that all the bad will eventually result in good.  Lord we continue to ask for Your healing hand in the lives of Summer, Kayla, Ally, Sharon and all others whom we have in our hearts at this moment.  We thank You for the healing that we can see already happening and we praise You for the healing that we cannot see as well as the healing that You continue to work in them.  Father we thank You for all of our armed forces and service men and women around the world, we thank You that they are willing to put their lives on the line to protect ours.  We ask that You grant them all protection, favor and blessings.  God I also ask personally that You may bless and protect every one who may be reading this message which You have allowed me to write.  Please pour out Your favor in their lives and grant them Your peace.  In Jesus name we ask that all this may be done according to Your perfect will.  Amen.
 
Have a blessed week and if you will be unable to read next weekend's message please also enjoy a very blessed Christmas!
 
Love through Christ,
Niki

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