“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 NKJV https://www.bible.com/114/heb.11.1.nkjv
The Bible is filled with people who stepped out in faith in spite of the worldly circumstances. These people the Bible tells us were just like us. Nothing special about them other than they had such strong faith. They believed in God, worshipped God and were obedient.
Joseph and Mary are prime examples of people of faith. We have lessons to learn about faith from them. Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married. The
Bible doesn’t give day to day details, but in my mind, they were excited about the future together. A normal, happy future as husband and wife. Then, the bomb dropped and their life changed. Life is no longer going to be ‘normal’. Let’s examine some things we can learn about faith from them.
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Be faithful to what God called you to do.
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” Luke 2:4-5 NKJV
Joseph was obedient to the call of God. He and Mary most likely had to endure ridicule and stares from their family and friends. People whispered behind their back because she was pregnant and not married. Joseph was faithful even though it didn’t look good to others.
So often, we must step out and do things that others ridicule or disagree. We are not to fear or shy away from the calling of God. It doesn’t matter what looks good to others. As long as you are obeying the will of God in your life, then He will give you peace and joy. Be obedient.
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Be faithful to God’s promises.
“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NKJV
Mary treasured things in her heart. She had received promises of a Savior. The shepherd had told her what they were told by the angels. Mary believed she was carrying the Son of God. She kept her heart open to receive the promises.
We should keep our mouths closed and our hearts open to hear from God. Learn His promises and treasure them in your heart. Treasure God’s promises to you and ponder them in your heart.
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Be faithful to spread the message.
“Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.” Luke 2:17 NKJV
The shepherd’s message was ‘good news’. Once they had found the baby in the manger as the angels had told them, they began to spread the word.
We also have been entrusted with this wonderful message about Jesus. We are called to faithfully spread the word. Tell others about the birth of Jesus and how they can be born again. We definitely have a story to tell. Our friends and neighbors need to know they are loved.
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Trust that God is faithful
“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Luke 2:20 NKJV
Everything that Joseph, Mary and the shepherds were told came to pass. It happened as it was told to them. The written word of the baby Jesus is after all an account of God’s faithfulness.
God is faithful. He can be trusted to fulfill His promises. He can be trusted to be with you whenever and wherever He has led you. God’s love and faithfulness is the rock on which everything else is built.
2020 has been a difficult year for us all. It is hard to find the enthusiasm for Christmas this year as usual. One thing we can be sure of is that God is faithful. He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us. Make a commitment to be faithful to Him.
https://youtu.be/Mj7Pr42rliI O Come All Ye Faithful Pentonix
Paula Wallace
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