God sent an angel to a troubled carpenter who learned his betrothed, a virgin named Mary, had inconceivably conceived. As far as we know, Mary was innocently going about her day when the angel surprised her with life-changing words. Joseph, on the other hand, was grappling with the disconcerting news that his intended was pregnant. He finally made a grace-filled decision. He would not shame her (as the law permitted) but would quietly divorce her. Decision made… until an angel appeared.

His message unraveled Joseph’s hard-won decision:

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.

As unbelievable as Mary’s story of a miraculous conception sounded, it was true! And Joseph had the integrity, righteousness, and faith to change his anguished but faulty decision. Only a man of substance would do that.

Psalm 139:6 tells me there is knowledge “too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” How foolish to stubbornly cling to my limited understanding, even if it was prayerfully attained! When I acknowledge my reasoning as imperfect and inadequate, I am free to respond with Joseph-like willingness and Mary-like humility. I can choose to trust God and submit to what I cannot comprehend.

Lord, may I not demand understanding but respond to your direction in faith, like Joseph. “He did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

We may not be privileged with an angelic visit that offers us a peek into the future, but we do have the Holy Spirit, who inspires our faith and directs our hearts. Spirit, help us to trust as Joseph did and base our decisions on your leading.

Quotes taken from Matthew 1:20, 24.