When Disappointment Strikes, Seek a Godly Response
The story of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, is a powerful example of how to react to painful and disheartening news. As a righteous person, Joseph wanted a wife who shared his desire to honor and obey the Lord, and Mary fit the bill. However, when Mary returned from visiting her relative Elizabeth and revealed she was pregnant, Joseph was stunned. The situation seemed grim, and he had every reason to feel disappointed and disillusioned.
A Wise and Righteous Response
But instead of giving in to his emotions, Joseph “considered” – he sought a wise and righteous response. And that’s exactly what we should do when faced with disappointments. Rather than letting our emotions dictate our actions, we should seek God’s guidance and wisdom.
God’s Intervention
In Joseph’s case, God intervened in a dramatic way, confirming Mary’s story and putting a stop to Joseph’s plans for a quiet annulment. The Lord turned Joseph’s mourning into joy, and the couple was blessed with the privilege of raising the Messiah together.
Anticipating God’s Good
As followers of Christ, we can learn from Joseph’s example. When we face disappointments, we should anticipate the good that God can do and await His timing. After all, God always has a plan, and the wisest reaction is to seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). By doing so, we can trust that God will bless us for our willingness to obey Him.
A Lesson for Us
So the next time disappointment strikes, remember Joseph’s story. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Instead, seek a godly response, anticipating the good that God can do. Trust that He has a plan, and wait patiently for His timing. By doing so, you can turn your mourning into joy, just like Joseph did.
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