Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Third Option (Mt 1:18-25)

Today's reading was Matthew chapters 1 and 2.
  1. Joseph believed there were only two options. Either he would publicly disgrace Mary or privately divorce her. Today, we would say he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ever been there?
  2. Either option would've left deep emotional scars on Joseph and Mary. Joseph was going to hurt regardless of which option he pursued. There seemed to be no win-win solution.
  3. Not choosing was not an option. Not choosing would've strongly suggested Joseph was the child's father. A decision had to be made.
  4. God had a third option when Joseph only saw two. God's miraculous intervention came after Joseph prayed hard and thought long. During Joseph's deliberation of the dilemma came God's option three. We're told to ask for God's wisdom (Jam 1:5). Don't be surprised if He sends it in a message, manner, mode, or moment you're least anticipating it.
  5. When God reveals His option three, take it.

Lord, whenever I'm set on a decision that doesn't line up with your plan, please do for me what You did for Joseph: interrupt me and instruct me. Doing Your will is more important than protecting my reputation or getting what I want.

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