God's Will

Wilmer McLain: refused to take part in the Civil war. He had friends on both sides. He moved up north to Virginia thinking he could escape the war. Ironically the war started in the battle of bull run that took places in the city near Mclain's plantation. McLain wanted nothing to do with war and it started in his back yard. He moved again south and he found himself in the same situation. The war ended and a deceleration of peace was signed in his house. He lost everything in his first plantation and lost everything in his second plantation as a result of the war.

We can't escape the war. I am in a spiritual battle that I cannot escape. Is Jesus Lord? Jesus is my commander and leader! Jesus has to be Lord in my life.

Joseph in the same way was giving a destiny that he did not ask for or was he seeking but he accepted Gods will for his life. To understand what Joseph went through we have to understand what it meant to marry in the Jewish culture.

1st stage included an arranged relationship. The family of the father had to pay the family of the bride. The 2nd stage was and agreement period and it was considered binding even though they were not officially married. The third stage was the actual ceremony of the wedding.

Matthew 1:18-25

Mary was pledged (2nd stage) to be married to Joseph and found to be pregnant! He was a righteous man who's character was being questioned because of Mary's pregnancy! Joseph could have abandoned Mary and totally humiliated her but chose not to! Joseph died to his pride and chose compassion instead of anger or revenge. He must have struggled with even believe Mary that she had not been unfaithful. 

In order for Joseph to for fill the will of God in his life he had to be broken. His heart had to be broken. Joseph surrendered his pride and accepted this!

Joseph surrendered his privacy! By taking Mary as his wife he subjected himself to public humiliation. Joseph life was going to public. He was to raise the messiah.

What has God asked me to surrender for him. What has been my response?

Joseph surrendered his personal priorities! What Joseph had in mind for his life had now changed.

Matthew 1:22-23

God is in control. He chose Joseph for a reason. This is what Joseph needed in his life! Through surrender Joseph was able to for fill his destiny!

Doing Gods will is not about convenience but always about sacrifice! Am I shuttling between north Virginia and south Virginia to avoid the battle?

Matthew 1:24

When Joseph woke up...time to wake up!...Joseph did what God commanded him to do! Follow God and simply do what he commands me to do!

Joseph headed over his pride, priorities and his privacy....Joseph like Jesus said not my will but your will be done with my life!