Faith During Uncertainty at Christmas: Embracing God’s Surprises

Faith in Uncertainty at Christmas: Embracing God's Surprises

Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18–25

Main Point: God works in mysterious ways. Your life may be wrapped in uncertainty, but you can trust God to bless you despite life's unexpected twists and turns.

What we will learn: God's plans is usually very different from you plan, and what you think is normal or acceptable. We must cultivate a deep faith if we are going to thrive during uncertainty and to see God work in our lives.

Personal Challenge: Are you focusing on your problems and worrying about what other people are going to say, or are you focusing of Christ and trying to figure out what God is trying to show you?

Sermon’s Objective: I want to encourage you with this sermon to embrace the uncertainty in your life and trust that God is working behind the scenes even when your path ahead appears dark and unclear. When you are in trouble, look for God in your life, try to figure out what God is trying to teach you, and trust in Him to see you through.

1. Listening in Life's Chaos

Matthew 1:18-20

Explanation: Think a moment about Joseph's initial response to Mary's pregnancy. Joseph loved Mary and didn’t what to hurt her. According to Jewish law, Mary could be stoned for adultery. So, Joseph contemplated sending her away quietly. His response reflects our tendency to try to control or escape uncomfortable situations by hiding them and sweeping them under the rug.

Question: How did Joseph initially respond to Mary's pregnancy, and what does this reveal about handling uncomfortable situations?

Illustration: During a difficult season in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with problems and doubts. One evening, I stumbled upon Matthew 6:34, which says not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. This verse reminded me that trusting God means releasing my fears about the future into His hands. In that moment, I felt a wave of peace, knowing that God was in control, even when my situation seemed chaotic. Trusting God invites us to rest in His promises amidst our worries.

Application: Maybe you are facing uncertainties in your life; feeling totally unprepared and overwhelmed. If you will go to God with your struggles and concerns, the Holy Spirit will hep you tune into God's voice amid chaos, and you will be able to trust His guiding hand even when His plans shatter your plans and expectations.

2. Purpose in Divine Surprises

Matthew 1:21

Explanation: This passage highlights the power of God's purpose in surprising circumstances. The angel reveals God’s grand plan of salvation and Jesus's mission to save people from their sins.

Illustration: In the Bible, we often find the story of Job, a man who faced unimaginable trials yet still trusted God. He lost everything—his possessions, his health, even his family—but he refused to curse God. Instead, he proclaimed that even if God slayed him, he would still trust Him. Job serves as a powerful reminder that, even when life gets tough, our trust in God can become our strongest ally, helping us navigate through life's darkest valleys.

Question: What lesson can we learn from the story of Job and Jacob’s response regarding trust in God during difficult times?

Application: God’s solutions to your problems will usually come in unexpected packages. To receive God’s blessings, you and I need to look beyond the immediate confusion to His redemptive purposes. View your problems as an opportunity to see God work is amazing ways to pour out his blessings on you. When you get to heaven, you will understand why things happen the way they do, and you will not want to change a thing in God’s divine plan.

3. Prophecy and Promises Fulfilled

Matthew 1:22-23

Explanation: God faithfully fulfilled all his promises through his Son, Jesus Christ. This passages teaches us that God’s plans are not accidental nor capricious, but are beautifully interwoven into our lives through prophecy and fulfillment.

Illustration: Consider the life of trees during a storm. As the winds howl and the rain pours, the trees that are flexible and bend are the ones that do not break. Strong trees develop a root system that digs deeper into the soil, seeking nourishment and stability.

Transition: This is akin to how we should trust God during our struggles—by bending without breaking, seeking our strength in Him. Our faith, much like a tree’s roots, will anchor us even amidst life's fiercest storms.

Application: Trust in the promises in God's Word. Life is unpredictable and filled with hardship, but God’s Word is true, and He will keep his promises. Remember, God loves you and will and wants you to place your faith and trust in HIm.

4. Performing Bold Faith

Matthew 1:24-25

Explanation: Joseph’s obedience is a living example of someone who trusted in God’s promises and also refused to abandon the woman he loved: Mary.

Illustration: The story of David and Goliath is a classic example of trusting God in the face of overwhelming odds. David, a mere shepherd boy, faced a giant that terrified an entire army. With only a slingshot and unwavering faith, he stepped onto that battlefield, trusting God to deliver him. His victory teaches us that when we confront our problems, we are never on our own; with faith, even the greatest giants can be defeated.

Question: Difficult times show the strength of your faith. How strong is your faith?

Application: Are you willing to trust in God despite your unforeseen turns. Recognize that faith is not only internal belief but also external obedience. Actions that reflect your faith are critical on your journey of growing trust. Take God by the hand and walk boldly as you express confidence in His wisdom and providential plan.

Conclusion: Matthew 1:18–25 reveals the circumstances behind Jesus' virgin birth, highlighting how God fulfills His plan through unexpected means. The angelic dream shocks Joseph with news that Mary is pregnant, and he struggles with the tension between religious and community expectations and God’s divine purposes. This passage challenges us to redefine our understanding of life's problems by looking at them as opportunities for God to work our his plan for our benefit.

Point to Christ: In this passage, the narrative begins the story of Jesus, signifying God's initiative in salvation history. It connects to the broader biblical narrative where God often chooses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes, ultimately culminating in the person and work of Christ.