Joseph faced the most perplexing dilemma of his life. The woman whose purity and chastity had appeared above reproach, was now pregnant. How could this be? Mary would have been the last woman on earth Joseph would have ever suspected of infidelity. But the evidence was irrefutable. There could be no other explanation. Yet Joseph did not act rashly. Could anyone have blamed him had he lashed out at his unfaithful wife and sought to retaliate against her? Could he be blamed for hurling painful barbs at his treacherous partner? But he didn’t.
Instead, Joseph thought about what to do. That is always a good approach when we face a difficult situation! As he pondered what he should do, God sent a message. An angel enlightened Joseph to the truth of his situation. The heavenly messenger also encouraged the humble carpenter to not be afraid to take Mary to be his wife. Why would Joseph have been fearful? It would have been because it would have been scandalous to keep a wife who was adulterous. Joseph would have been subjected to constant ridicule and second-guessing. It would have tormented his righteous soul. But as Joseph sought direction in that critical moment, God answered.
There are certain moments in every person’s life where what they do next is critical. If they are rash, or careless, or hurtful, they will miss the amazing work God is preparing to do through them. Take time to consider what it is your life is currently facing. And be sure to take time to hear what God has to say about it