Light of the WorldНамуна

In today’s reading, we see another incredible example of the faithfulness of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph. There is no way that getting up in the middle of the night to move his young family to another country was in the game plan. It’s crazy to even think about! But when an angel appeared to him in a dream and gave him this clear instruction, he didn’t hesitate.

For Joseph, the direction he was given and the reasons for that direction were made clear. Go to Egypt. Herod is seeking to kill Jesus.

For us, though, sometimes the directions we receive from the Lord aren’t that clear, and often the reasons aren’t known for years, if ever. When you live in submission to the Holy Spirit, you will be faced with situations that are uncomfortable.

Joseph knew the history of his people and the years that they spent in captivity in Egypt. It probably wasn’t in his dream journal to travel there, especially in the middle of the night with a newborn baby.

God used this uncomfortable situation to protect Jesus’ life. So often the difficult seasons we walk through in life are used to protect us from an even greater trial that we only sometimes become aware of later. God is at work in the trials of our lives, guiding and shaping us into the person he needs us to be.

Question:
Have you ever walked through a difficult or uncomfortable season, only to realize later that God was protecting you from an ever greater pain or trial in the process?

Application:
When you are faced with a small trial or frustration in your day today, attempt to view it as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “What is God trying to teach me through this situation?” An example of this might be that if you are faced with a frustrating person or situation, maybe God is giving you an opportunity to grow your patience.