Life of Faith

To have done anything worth speaking about in life usually means someone else was involved in one way or another and they deserve a thank you. That someone who made it possible for you to go where you intended to go, can sometimes get overlooked, and yet without their support, you would not have made it. We sincerely need to go to those people and give them some heartfelt thanks for all they have done for us.

Often, we are so familiar with Mary, Jesus' mother, and her incredible story that we tend to forget about Joseph. Joseph's life events are not listed as much as Mary's; however, Joseph was a man of unique faith in God and Mary. A man who had a purpose and fulfilled it.

Joseph and Mary were engaged and things most likely were on track for their life to get started. Then Mary goes and tells Joseph that she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Her being a virgin and the two of them not being married caused Joseph to consider the thought of ‘Putting her away secretly’ so she wouldn’t be publicly humiliated. The Bible says then “Behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit, and she will bear a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up from sleeping he remembered the dream and did what the angel of the Lord commanded him. He took Mary as his wife and she gave birth to Jesus, and so their life began.

Joseph was again warned in a dream by God to go to Egypt because they would be safer there. Shortly after that another warning to leave Egypt and set out for Galilee. Joseph obeyed, and his family remained in Nazareth from then on.

Joseph's life was suddenly interrupted by Mary being with child and he had no say in the situation. No one asked him if it was ok for this to happen—it just was! I'm sure Joseph had to have thought at least once "This is not what I had planned on- this isn't how I imagined my life to be." The day the angel visited Mary was a day that changed her life, but also Joseph's. Being that Joseph was a righteous man and had faith in God he chose to believe what God had said to him and he married her. Joseph then goes on to be the very vessel that God uses to keep him, and his family safe. He listened to God through his dreams and by being a man of faith, he was a covering of protection for Mary and Jesus- and much more that we do not know about now.

Often when God calls us to do something for Him there is someone else involved. At that moment the other person can feel like it's all about the other person. They can even feel like "Why them- now our life is going to get crazy and I didn't plan on all this happening." However, whatever end we may find ourselves on, we need to step back looking at what God has done, listen to what He's saying, and have the faith to jump in and do whatever our part is. 

Joseph on a personal note could have said: "Hey this is between her and God and I don't need all this in my life right now." He instead thought about the situation, listened to God, and walked in obedience and faith- a life of faith from that point on.

Joseph played an important role in Jesus' life. The way he came about to be His father was not his plan or idea, but he chose to be a part of it. We don't read it, but I imagine Joseph loving Jesus dearly, looking after him so carefully- just like he would as if he were his own flesh and blood. At the end of his life I imagine him not having regrets that he chose to be a part of Mary and Jesus' life from the time the angel visited him. God's calling on each person's life is different and, in some cases, can cause a strain on those relationships if either party refuses to go into a life of faith with each other and with God. The important thing to remember is whatever God has in mind for us will always be the best plan for us and our relationships. Each of us plays a different role in God's Kingdom- one is not more powerful than the other. We are the body of Christ and need each other to function properly. Mary and Jesus needed Joseph, and Joseph needed Jesus and Mary in more ways than we even know about. Together as a family, they made it- and Joseph being the righteous man that the Bible says he was chose to walk to into a life of faith with Mary and Jesus and for that he needs to be admired.

Will you be willing to walk a life of faith? Never underestimate the role you play in God's kingdom and never compare yourself with others. God has chosen a specific role for each of us, and we must take that step of faith as Joseph did and make it a life of faith. When that happens, we are truly blessed because we are walking into our destiny, and that is the best place to be. So, whatever is going on with you and with those around you that you're in a relationship with – honor God by walking into your life of faith. Recognize and appreciate those around you who helped and stood by you when you stepped into your life of faith. Be supportive in their walk of faith and just walk together like Joseph and his family did- walking in a life of faith.

From Gardens of Splendor by Gina Burns