A RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE TO DISAPPOINTMENT

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33

 

Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was a righteous person who had sought a godly woman to share his life with.  Imagine the disappointment that he must have felt when he learned that Mary was pregnant and it was not his child!  Furthermore, she claimed that no man had touched her.

 

Any way Joseph looked at the situation it appeared grim.  And yet Matthew 1:20 tells us that Joseph “considered,” that is to say, that he sought a wise righteous response.  God entered Joseph’s life in a dramatic way to confirm Mary’s story and put a stop to his “quiet annulment” plans (Matthew 1:19 - 24). 

 

The Lord turned Joseph’s mourning into joy.  Mary had told the truth, strange and startling as it was.  The couple would bear the intense public censure of an early pregnancy, but Joseph stopped thinking about what others would say.  God had blessed work for him: to raise the Messiah alongside a faithful woman.

 

Followers of Christ should seek a godly response to disappointments they face.  Since the lord always has a plan, the wisest reaction is to anticipate the good He can do and await His timing.  God certainly blessed Joseph for his willingness to “seek first His kingdom.” 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for showing me how to response to _________________situation.  I know that You will bring good out of this situation because You are for me and not against me, in Jesus Name. Amen.