What If God Were to Disrupt Your Life?
Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-25
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
Some things in life can take us completely by surprise. Sometimes things happen that seem to turn our world upside down. That happened to a man named Joseph, a builder living in the town of Nazareth in Galilee about 2,000 years ago.
Engaged to be married to a young woman named Mary, he was looking forward to when they would become husband and wife, have children, and make a home together, surrounded by their extended family.
But then Joseph learned that Mary, his future wife, was expecting a child. To Joseph, that meant that Mary had been unfaithful. To keep her from being publicly disgraced, he intended to “divorce her quietly” and then send her away.
But that same night, an angel came to Joseph in a dream, telling him that the child to be born was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to believe the unbelievable and to take Mary as his wife. God himself stepped into his life and disrupted many of Joseph’s plans. His life would never be the same. But when Joseph woke up, he did what the angel commanded him.
Perhaps God has disrupted your life. Perhaps he turned your life upside down. Are you ready to accept God’s will for your life? Are you ready to surrender to him and serve him?
Father in heaven, help us to accept your will for our lives, even when it turns our world upside down. Help us always to acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!