Peace in the midst of the Struggle

Following God’s plan can be stressful (Matthew 1:18)

Explanation: Looking at the Incarnation from the 30K foot view, it becomes obvious that the supernatural conception of Jesus was definitely part of God’s plan. It does not follow, however, that the specific actors chosen by God to have individual roles in His plan would automatically be protected from struggling with accepting those roles. Both Joseph and Mary struggled with accepting their part in God’s plan, and both had to deal with unpleasant consequences.

In Matthew’s account the reader is simply informed that during the engagement, Mary was found to be with child “before they came together,” and that her conception was by the Holy Ghost. In Luke’s account, more detail is given. When the Gabriel tells her she is favored among women, “she was troubled at his saying” (Luke 1:29). When Gabriel informs her that she will conceive the Messiah, Mary is confused and asks, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34)

Mary accepts Gabriel’s revelation of the Holy Spirit’s overshadowing of her in the conception and declares “be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38), but she is still struggling to deal with her new reality. As a result, Mary runs off into the country to spend time with her cousin Elizabeth and ends up staying for 3 months (Luke 1:56)

Argument: During her time with Elizabeth, Mary delivers an incredibly moving song of praise known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). It is also worth noting, however, that she spends three months in the country apart from her fiance Joseph. An angel told her the news, but she was the one who had to break the news to Joseph. Mary was faced with the struggle of trying to tell another that she had accepted God’s plan for her life. She had to face this knowing that she would probably not be believed; she was looking for peace.

Application: The Virgin Birth of the Messiah was a one-time occurrence, so none of us will be in that same exact situation. We may however, be faced with trying to explain to someone why we

willingly bypass a promotion so we can spend more time with family

plan to move to another country to serve as a missionary

gently and kindly, but strongly, refuse to use a person’s preferred pronouns

Following God’s plan often leads to adversity (Matthew 1:19)

Explanation: While both Mary and Joseph had issues, Matthew focuses on Joseph’s role in the Christmas Story. The Gospel writer informs us that Joseph was not receptive to becoming a step father to a child who was not his. When he was told by Mary that she was pregnant, he wanted out. The Jewish betrothal was much stricter than our modern engagement and required a divorce to end, but Joseph was pursuing that option. Joseph was a good man and he did not want to shame Mary, but he did want a divorce.

Argument: The genealogy in Matthew primarily lists men, with the exception of four (4) women. It is evident this line was ordained of God and those in it were involved in following His plan. We have little or no details about most of the men in the list. It is interesting that we are given some details on all four of the begettings in which the women are mentioned. [not in this listing, but each has her story given in other places] While each of the four situations are unique in some regard, all four include controversy and struggle. (Bathsheba’s account also involved sin and shows that God can still bring good out of our sin and shortcomings)

The reality is we often encounter adversity, even when we are following God’s plan. Adversity brings stress and anxiety in our lives, and we sense the need for peace.

Surrendering to God’s plan brings peace in the midst of the struggle (Matthew 1:20-25)

Explanation: God sends Gabriel to Joseph to explain the situation. Mary had already told the story to Joseph, but he did not believe her. (we would not have believed her story either!) Gabriel tells Joseph that Mary has NOT betrayed him with another man. Instead, Mary has been chosen by God to be the earthly mother of the Messiah. Gabriel also gives Joseph the Isaiah prophecy which relates how a virgin would conceive and deliver the Messiah - Emmanuel, God with us!

What a powerful encounter that was! Joseph’s encounter with God through the angel Gabriel changed his life. He was going to divorce Mary, but now he decided to stay with her. He thought she had betrayed him, now he honored her and her mission (he knew her not).

NOTE: When we encounter God, it should change us as well! We probably won’t get an angelic visitor, but we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and when He visits with us it should not leave us indifferent.

Argument: God does not remove the hard things from our lives; He gives us grace to live through them. Consider this truth about Mary’s pregnancy - she and Joseph had specific Divine Revelation concerning the true nature of her baby; the neighbors did not. Mary and Joseph had to live with friends and neighbors who most likely considered the situation scandalous and probably discussed it among themselves

Application: Those of us who are IN Christ have His promise of peace in the midst of difficult situations when we are striving to be focused on God’s plan.

John 16:33 KJV 1900

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Consider some various situations that are God’s will for us, but remain difficult:

Encouraging and compelling teens to be faithful to God’s house even when they resist

Remaining faithful to your marriage vows when your spouse has become unhappy and wants out

Remaining kind and Christ-like to the co-worker who mocks your faith and tells you that you are dumb for believing in Jesus

Being positive and upbeat when you are dealing with chronic illness or pain (or both)

Conclusion: