Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows; After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Matthew 1:18-19

What if the life you always wanted didn't turn out to be anything like you imagined?

Think about Joseph's predicament when he heard the news of Mary's pregnancy, and the explanation she gave about how she got pregnant. Joseph knew Mary's child wasn't his because they were not yet married and had no physical relationship with each other.

Joseph could actually use the law to seek personal justice and redress, and in so doing, he could vindicate himself from marrying Mary. And according to the practice of those days, Mary would have been publicly humiliated and punished for being pregnant with someone else's child.

Joseph was not just a man, he was a just man.

Even though he knew the child wasn't his, Joseph chose not to denounce Mary publicly but rather, he was planning to break their betrothal quietly and send her away to hide her pregnancy. Instead of looking after his own interest, Joseph acted justly by protecting Mary from possible scorn and shame. Without a doubt, Joseph was doing what he thought was best for Mary, but God has a far better plan for both of them.

It is through their faith and obedience that Joseph and Mary carried out their respective roles entrusted to them by God. Likewise, if every one of us responds to God the same way, we will see greater good and greater things happening in our midst.

Believe me, if God is in it, everything will fall into place.

Nothing ever happens without God knowing it or sovereignly allowing it and everything that can possibly happen cannot separate us from God's love or thwart His purpose. Even if you cannot clearly see His plan, learn to act in faith and respond in every changing season of life with grace and wisdom. After all, staying firm in our faith is the best posture to take during times of transitions and trials. You can trust God to work everything out for your good and His glory.