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Forsaking False Assumptions

Written by ronda on . Posted in Phoebe Connections.

Matthew 1:24-25

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him.  He married her but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son.  And he named Him Jesus.

Joseph obeyed God. His wedding was not what he had pictured for himself when he was first betrothed. He did not know Mary intimately until after the baby was born. His new life as a husband and a father must have carried a tremendous weight. If anyone needed a word from God to get through a matter, it was Joseph, so God made sure Joseph received the assurance he needed by sending the angel. God still sends words of encouragement and assurance to His people today.

To my knowledge, I have never personally encountered an angel. There have been times, however, that I knew I was hearing from God. He speaks through the Holy Spirit and the Bible to His people today. He may use other people, dreams, or situations to speak to us, as well. He knows what will capture our attention and reach the heart. Will we be like Joseph and willingly obey what he has to say when His word to us requires the sacrifice of a dream? Will we obey when the word we hear appears to be disappointing?

Joseph never had to actually sacrifice his dream. He simply had to forsake his previous imaginations and assumptions of what he thought that life would be. He still married Mary. They still had a life together and children together. He just carried a greater responsibility in raising the Son of God, and it would require he follow in obedience. When our dreams seem shattered, it is important that we, too, remain close to God. He has a greater purpose for us than what we had previously imagined, and we will need to walk forth in obedience to find it and fulfill it.  

If you find yourself facing disappointment today, God may be requiring you forsake false assumptions and imaginations, rather than your actual dream. Be willing to follow Him and watch to see where He leads. Every good and perfect gift is from him, and He will not disappoint you in the end. He will use you for His greater glory!

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.