Discovering Divine Favor: Lessons from Joseph, Mary, and You

What does this season mean for you and those around you? For some of us, it is the 'most wonderful time of the year', and for others, maybe its not such a wonderful time. Regardless of the expectations, you might be surprised how God shows up in the most unexpected ways, just like He did for Joseph and Mary.

So, why is this blog coming days after Christmas?  The story of Joseph and Mary is more than a Christmas narrative; it’s a blueprint for spiritual growth and understanding divine favor in our lives. For this story to be relevant to you, you might have to think beyond the immaculate conception to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of Joseph and Mary.

Joseph’s Dilemma: A Lesson in Righteousness

Imagine being in Joseph’s shoes. Engaged to Mary, he discovers she’s pregnant, and he knows he’s not the father. Joseph, described as a righteous man, decides to handle the situation quietly to protect Mary’s dignity. But then, in a dream, an angel appears, revealing that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph’s story teaches us about hearing God in solitude and the importance of righteousness. When was the last time you paused to listen for God’s guidance in your life?

Joseph’s decision to trust God’s message over his own plans is a powerful reminder that our understanding is limited, but God’s wisdom is infinite. It’s a call to seek spiritual growth by aligning our actions with God’s will, even when it defies our logic.

Mary’s Faith: Embracing the Unknown

Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement is equally profound. Despite the overwhelming nature of her situation, she responds with faith, saying, “Be it unto me according to your word.” This simple yet profound statement is a testament to her trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear.

Mary’s story encourages us to embrace the unknown with faith. It’s about accepting that God’s plans for us are bigger than we can imagine. Have you ever faced a situation where you had to trust God without knowing the outcome? Mary’s example shows us that faith is not about having all the answers but trusting the One who does.

Your Story: Finding Favor in Everyday Life

Just like Joseph and Mary, we are called to find favor in our everyday lives. Whether it’s in our jobs, families, or personal challenges, God’s favor is present. It’s about recognizing that where we are is bigger than us and that God has a purpose for our position.

Reflect on a moment in your life when you felt compelled to take action, but the Holy Spirit intervened before you could proceed. Perhaps your intentions were noble, yet they conflicted with God's plan for you and the lives you were meant to influence. You may have faced numerous instances where you found yourself saying, "Be it unto me according to your word." This could have included leaving a lucrative job for a role with greater purpose, relocating to a new state without a clear plan, or making an unexpected donation of your last few dollars. These modern-day examples illustrate how favor can be found by aligning our actions with God’s will. They serve as a powerful reminder that even small acts of faith can lead to significant impact.

Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Favor

1. Seek Understanding: Like Joseph, seek to understand God’s word and how it applies to your life. Spend time in prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal His plans for you.

2. Embrace Faith: Follow Mary’s example by embracing faith in the unknown. Trust that God’s plans are for your good, even when you can’t see the full picture.

3. Act Generously: Look for opportunities to act generously. Whether it’s your time, resources, or talents, use them to bless others and further God’s kingdom.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the stories of Joseph and Mary, let’s commit to seeking God’s favor in our lives. Whether it’s through acts of righteousness, faith, or generosity, let’s strive to align our actions with God’s will. By embracing these lessons, we can transform our lives and deepen our relationship with God. Let’s walk in faith, knowing that His plans for us are greater than we can imagine.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of Joseph and Mary. Help us to seek Your guidance, embrace faith in the unknown, and act generously in our daily lives.  Give us the courage to say "Be it unto me according to your word." May we find favor in Your eyes and fulfill the purpose You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.