Matthew 1:24, "When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife."

Think

Although the thought of getting on an airplane in the age of Covid might be unthinkable, the daily average number of flights is 102,465. That's a lot of planes and people placing their trust in the pilots' hands! And if you want to reach your destination problem-free, you obey the rules given to you by the airline.

Isn't it funny how people put their trust in a complete stranger, yet they neglect to place their trust in and obey the One who knows everything about them?

After Joseph stopped and listened to Mary's big news, he took it in. And, as we see in today's reading, he trusted and obeyed God. The Bible doesn't say that Joseph woke up the next morning, and his life was easy, or that they didn't face scrutiny over Mary's pregnancy. No! But because Joseph chose to trust and obey God, it allowed him to play a part in the greatest gift the world has ever been given - a relationship with Jesus.

Have you been in a season where you needed to follow Joseph's example of trusting and obeying? Maybe things aren't going the way you planned; they aren't shaping up the way you dreamed. But how you respond to life's unexpected surprises and circumstances is your choice. You can choose to let go of your letdown, even though you don't understand. You can release your control and give it to the One in control. And, regardless of the outcome, you can get on board with the ultimate Pilot. God's ways are higher than ours, and He desires for you to soar in your relationship with Him.

Act

What areas in your life are you lacking trust in God and, therefore, not obeying His commands? Spend time writing those things down, and then make a commitment to let go of your letdowns and relinquish control.

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for Joseph's example. Help me to trust You and obey what You tell me in Scripture. I know Your plans for my life are great, and I release control to You. Amen.