Luke Experience The Beginning Of Jesus’ Ministry Sýnishorn

It Takes a Measure of Courage

Who said that doing God’s will is easy? Sometimes it takes courage to do God’s will. As we follow the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, we find that Mary and Joseph had a difficult time carrying out God’s plan for their lives. 

Mary was in the third trimester of her pregnancy when she traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a required census. She had no friends or family to advise her on how to handle the birth of her first child. Nor did she have a comfortable room or a nursery for her baby. The local inns had been booked solid, so she gave birth to her firstborn child in a stable. 

It took courage to endure these hardships. It took courage to be parents of a newborn and yet entertain a group of late night visitors—shepherds—who wanted to talk about their recent angelic experience and all they had seen and heard that night concerning the child. 

The most striking thing is that the Scriptures never record a word about Mary and Joseph’s fear, anger, or frustration. Instead, we are told that Mary tucked all these events in her heart, “thinking about all this and wondering what it meant” (Luke 2:19). 

We will often experience challenging times as we try to follow Jesus in obedience. At times it will be difficult to do God’s will, but God will grant us the courage we need to overcome each obstacle, if we ask him. 

When you do God’s will, you must forget about yourself, take up your cross every day, and follow God’s voice. Jesus is the perfect and most beautiful example of a life willingly given to accomplish God’s perfect will. The engine that gave power to his courage was love. His love for us gave Jesus the strength to overcome the cross and death itself. He did it all for love. May your love for God and the example set by these two beautiful teenagers–Mary and Joseph–be our inspiration for today!

Reflect

Recall a moment in your life in which doing God’s will was challenging. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them? 

Pray

Holy Spirit, guide me as I encounter you in the Holy Scriptures today. Give me the courage to do your will. Lord Jesus, let me walk beside you so that I may joyfully receive the courage I need to face any difficulties I may encounter. 

Respond

Has God been asking you to do something lately?