I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the mystery of the purpose that Jesus has predestined each and every one of us for since before we were created. It really is a mystery, something that we cannot truly fathom until we choose to be unwavering in our obedience to the Lords leading. The thing with mysteries is there is sure to be an adventure we will embark on, and it is one that lasts a life time.
Recently one story of 2 peoples’ purpose that has blown me away, is a well known story of course about Mary and Joseph and how they listened to the Lords call on their lives to raise and be stewards of the savior of the world. I’m not sure why it just hit me how crazy that is! God literally entrusted two ordinary, young, imperfect human beings, to be the parents of Jesus Christ! Sometimes I’ve read this story thinking, “Oh yea sweet young Mary, kind and faithful Joseph, of course God would choose them.” But really if you think about it why? Why the heck did God choose them? Were they really that special? I don’t really know why God chose them, but what I do know is that He did choose them, and they accomplished the purposes God had on is heart.
Imagine how Mary was feeling when the angel appeared to her, and imagine how Joseph felt when he chose to remain faithful to Mary even though he knew what would be assumed of him. Joseph was called and Mary was called to accomplish the purpose which God predestined to them, and they said, “yes Lord, we believe and we will go and do what you have spoken.”
I wonder if they had doubts, as they were going on all those journeys, running for their lives and the life of the Messiah. I mean what kind of fears would be going on in your head if your child was prophesied over, “Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”(Luke 2:34-35) How confusing is that! How scary! I would be asking myself all kinds of questions, as to if I am doing the right thing, am I hearing God right, did he really tell me what I think he told me?
I wish the bible explained that more because I think I could get a lot of tips from Mary and Josephs journey if it went into detail. But still I do learn so much, even though they don’t go into detail I guess all I really need to know is that they are human, and they probably did struggle with doubt, fear and uncertainty just like I do. What is clear from their story though is that they definitely chose trust and obedience despite whatever overwhelming feelings they
may have felt. They kept saying “Yes Lord, we will go!”
Amazing! Jesus please help me to also have this same faith and this same willingness to say Yes to you!
Mary and Joseph most likely didn’t have a clue the extent of what God was calling them to do. How could they possibly have known the depth of their decision to listen to the Lord? We can ask ourselves the same question. How can we possibly know the depth, impact and result of our decision to be obedient to the Lord? We are Mary’s and we are Joseph’s who have a call to follow the Lord wherever he may be leading us. No matter how unqualified we feel, how incapable we feel, or how unsure we are, we have a call, we have a predestined purpose to discover. Predestined, pretty much meaning God knows exactly why he chose you, he knows you have exactly what it takes to accomplish the purpose he has in store for you. WOW!
It’s hard to believe in ourselves sometimes. It’s hard to conquer the feelings of our flesh saying there is no way God would choose me for that, but we are so great at making it complicated aren’t we? It takes a simple, “Yes God I will go, I will follow you, I will speak of you fearlessly, I will love others regardless of opinion, I will be bold, I will declare your unending faithfulness.” We need to start truly believing that the God who used Mary and Joseph many years ago to be the parents of His son Jesus, is still leading us to a life just as incredible as theirs. He has a call for us that is unique and set apart to accomplish what is in His heart for His ultimate glory. So let’s all say yes to His leading, and see how God uses ordinary, young, old, imperfect people to change the world, and give him the Glory he deserves! I don’t know about you but I’m pretty much totally excited to follow Jesus and discover what unfathomable purpose my life was predestined for!
-Emily
Recently one story of 2 peoples’ purpose that has blown me away, is a well known story of course about Mary and Joseph and how they listened to the Lords call on their lives to raise and be stewards of the savior of the world. I’m not sure why it just hit me how crazy that is! God literally entrusted two ordinary, young, imperfect human beings, to be the parents of Jesus Christ! Sometimes I’ve read this story thinking, “Oh yea sweet young Mary, kind and faithful Joseph, of course God would choose them.” But really if you think about it why? Why the heck did God choose them? Were they really that special? I don’t really know why God chose them, but what I do know is that He did choose them, and they accomplished the purposes God had on is heart.
Imagine how Mary was feeling when the angel appeared to her, and imagine how Joseph felt when he chose to remain faithful to Mary even though he knew what would be assumed of him. Joseph was called and Mary was called to accomplish the purpose which God predestined to them, and they said, “yes Lord, we believe and we will go and do what you have spoken.”
I wonder if they had doubts, as they were going on all those journeys, running for their lives and the life of the Messiah. I mean what kind of fears would be going on in your head if your child was prophesied over, “Behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”(Luke 2:34-35) How confusing is that! How scary! I would be asking myself all kinds of questions, as to if I am doing the right thing, am I hearing God right, did he really tell me what I think he told me?
I wish the bible explained that more because I think I could get a lot of tips from Mary and Josephs journey if it went into detail. But still I do learn so much, even though they don’t go into detail I guess all I really need to know is that they are human, and they probably did struggle with doubt, fear and uncertainty just like I do. What is clear from their story though is that they definitely chose trust and obedience despite whatever overwhelming feelings they
may have felt. They kept saying “Yes Lord, we will go!”
Amazing! Jesus please help me to also have this same faith and this same willingness to say Yes to you!
Mary and Joseph most likely didn’t have a clue the extent of what God was calling them to do. How could they possibly have known the depth of their decision to listen to the Lord? We can ask ourselves the same question. How can we possibly know the depth, impact and result of our decision to be obedient to the Lord? We are Mary’s and we are Joseph’s who have a call to follow the Lord wherever he may be leading us. No matter how unqualified we feel, how incapable we feel, or how unsure we are, we have a call, we have a predestined purpose to discover. Predestined, pretty much meaning God knows exactly why he chose you, he knows you have exactly what it takes to accomplish the purpose he has in store for you. WOW!
It’s hard to believe in ourselves sometimes. It’s hard to conquer the feelings of our flesh saying there is no way God would choose me for that, but we are so great at making it complicated aren’t we? It takes a simple, “Yes God I will go, I will follow you, I will speak of you fearlessly, I will love others regardless of opinion, I will be bold, I will declare your unending faithfulness.” We need to start truly believing that the God who used Mary and Joseph many years ago to be the parents of His son Jesus, is still leading us to a life just as incredible as theirs. He has a call for us that is unique and set apart to accomplish what is in His heart for His ultimate glory. So let’s all say yes to His leading, and see how God uses ordinary, young, old, imperfect people to change the world, and give him the Glory he deserves! I don’t know about you but I’m pretty much totally excited to follow Jesus and discover what unfathomable purpose my life was predestined for!
-Emily