(Matthew 1:19-20 ESV) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Joseph was in a dilemma. A BIG one!
DILEMMA: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Joseph discovered that the woman he was engaged to; a woman he had not been intimate with was pregnant. Common sense would suggest that the only explanation possible was that she had been unfaithful. This child was not Joseph’s and he was within his legal and moral rights to relinquish his responsibility in this “hot potato” situation.
While contemplating his options, an angel from the Lord appeared to provide unseen revelation that would open his eyes to supernatural activity. The angel said, “Do not fear… for that which is conceived in her (Mary) is from the Holy Spirit.”
I’ve discovered that God loves to do things that confounds doubters. Isn’t it true that it makes no common sense to forgive the unforgivable? Isn’t it true that giving to others while we have needs of our own makes no common sense? Isn’t it true that we prefer to control our own destiny rather than rest in God’s will? No. Common. Sense.
Let me be clear. God does not expect us to set aside natural wisdom that guides us through the everyday routines of life. Every day, we make good decisions motivated by common sense, which brings about God’s will for our life. Good, common sense decisions.
But, there are times we must be willing to forsake what feels natural, what makes common sense, and consider what Holy Spirit is doing in the unseen realm. These are God moments which require God decisions.
We might not even know who Joseph was had he not been willing to move beyond common sense knowledge to embrace supernatural revelation. Are you willing to trust God beyond common sense?
PRAYER: Father, my natural tendency is to rely on the things that make common sense and are backed up by solid, factual proof. Thank you for those times when that is enough. However, help me to be willing to walk by faith; to accept your plan even when it makes no sense to me. I trust you! Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 