Are you doing God's Job?

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Matthew 1:20-21

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

Every Monday night, my husband and son have us ALL watching a segment on ESPN called, "C'mon Man!" 

C'mon Man is a series of either the bone-headed or unbelievable clips from the weekend's football games.  We all love, "C'mon Man!"

As I was studying Joseph's account this weekend, I wondered if that was Joseph's response to Mary's news that she was pregnant...  I'm sure he had no reason to doubt the integrity of Mary's character, but pregnant... By the Holy Spirit?  "C'mon man!"  No way!

So after sorting through his emotions, which I'm sure was a range of anger, fear, sorrow, and unbelief... Joseph does the most honorable thing he knows to do..."divorce her quietly." (v19)

What happens next is so profound...   NO WHERE in Scripture does it say, "Mary tried to convince Joseph."  Or that she, "begged or pleaded with Joseph."  Nor does it say that, "she tried to manipulate Joseph's reaction or the situation".  She told him AND waited patiently for God to do ONLY WHAT HE COULD DO. 
 So in God's perfect way and in His perfect time, He sent an angel to tell Joseph, "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."  (underline mine)


In other words, "Joseph, don't be afraid.  She's not lying to you.   What is conceived in her IS from the Holy Spirit."

All to often, I try to do God's job.   Yet, if I will just WAIT and stop trying to explain, convince, manipulate or control, God will do it on my behalf.  Listen to the words of Psalm 37:

:5 "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:
:6  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 
:7  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently..."

Mary sat still and let God do His job.  As a result, God vindicated and defended Mary in such a way that got Joseph's attention; prompted an immediate response and forever changed Joseph's heart.  Far better than she could have dreamed of doing.

So what or whom are you trying to convince?  Control?  Or manipulate, in order to have things your way or the way you think they ought to be?

Allow Mary's actions redirect any controlling or manipulating tendencies - and watch God do the impossible in your life.

 

Knowing God Ministries

KGM is now able to accept "Appreciated Stock."   I've been learning about this.  It's a huge win for donors! 

Knowing God Ministries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  Your seed of $10, $15, $20 or whatever helps us to offer life changing ministry to women at no cost.  You are helping

• women see the relevance of Scripture in everyday life - changing the way they think; the way they behave. -
• women become wives according to God's instructions -
• women experience God in their everyday lives.

Your gift, no matter how small or large is truly appreciated! 

Merry Christmas!!!
Knowing God Ministries
115 Overview Lane
Cary, NC 27511

Save the Date!

Next Iron Sharpens Iron:   Friday, January 13, 2012!  Put it on your calendar now! 
Moving into 2012, our discussions will focus on Marriage.

Perhaps you are single, widowed, divorced, or separated - these sessions are still for you!  Do you have daughter's, nieces, granddaughters, girlfriends, or people you minister to?  These sessions include you too!