Day 8: Joseph’s Torn Heart

Have you ever stared into the future, wondering if things will be alright? So did Joseph. He loved God, and he loved Mary. But when she became pregnant from the Holy Spirit, Joseph considered divorcing her quietly. He might have even felt heartbroken over the turn of events. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there.

And yet, when Joseph was torn about what his decision would be, God was doing something magnificent. And through an angel, He told Joseph the plan! What did Joseph do with this divine knowledge shared with him that Jesus was coming? Well, I can tell you certainly what he didn’t do. Joseph didn’t abandon Mary. He didn’t choose to walk in unbelief. He didn’t run away. And even though this was amazing news, I am sure it was difficult to think about what their neighbors would say. I am sure Joseph had to consider what his family and her family would say. Joseph made a hard but vital decision. He decided to follow what God had told him.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” When God asks us to step out in faith, we do not always have all the details. We do not see the entire plan. But as children of God, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV). That is exactly what Joseph did in an uncertain situation. He trusted God and put His faith in Him that God would do what He promised. And we can have that same assurance! Even through our own personal torn hearts, we can choose to trust what God is doing in our lives. And when we see Jesus one day in Heaven, our hope would be to hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).

“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.”
- Charles Wesley
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus