Mary and Joseph were legally married but had not been together, in fulfillment of a one-year customary engagement period. Joseph’s agony began when he found out that Mary had conceived a child. It was the work of the Holy Spirit, but Joseph did not know this.

Joseph was a law-abiding, righteous man, and he could not bring Mary home as his wife and claim the baby as his own while suspecting Mary’s adultery. He was also kind-hearted and did not want to put Mary under the legal judgment that an adulterous woman would face. So, he decided to divorce her quietly. It seemed like the best solution, but it undoubtedly would bring great pain to both Joseph and Mary.

Joseph’s agony ended when an angel of the Lord appeared to him and explained the work of God. He believed and obeyed the angel and brought Mary home as his wife. By faith, he chose to protect Mary and adopt the baby, naming him Jesus. Joseph played a crucial role in God's history of salvation, connecting Abraham and David to Jesus, the Messiah. Would you be willing to give up your own idea, trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and see the work of God unfold? Prayer: Father, thank you for showing me that your work unfolds through people with faith. I want to trust you and follow as you guide me today.
One Word: Be ready to obey God’s will