He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Luke 2:5 (NIV)

Joseph’s story is a great lesson in obedience. 

Not only was his fiancé pregnant with a child he knew could not biologically be his own, the government had complicated his life by issuing a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Since Joseph belonged in the lineage of King David, he and Mary were required to travel from their hometown, Nazareth, to the town of Bethlehem of Judea. (Luke 2:1-4; Micah 5:2)

The young mother-to-be in her ninth month of pregnancy surely was frightened and gradually became weary while traveling with Joseph approximately 90 miles to Bethlehem. The already tense situation heightened when labor began.

This great story is even more compelling when Joseph learned he had to tell Mary there was no available room in the inn, and she would have to give birth in the outdoors in a stable on a bed of hay. 

Sheer panic would engulf many of us. I wonder if more tears would occur rather than words of praise?

Obedience while living through life’s trials teaches us to praise God anyway. 

What situation has occurred lately in your life which has been unexpected, unfair, or seemingly unsolvable? You may believe the answer is hopelessly impossible, but God’s outcome is always within reach if we walk through the process while standing firm in our personal faith.

Because of the tender mercy of our Great God, he gives us continual guidance and help through prayer if we simply ask him to show us the way—moment by moment. 

Father God, I am frightened, and I am not sure how I am going to be able to be strong enough to follow your plan. Help me, LORD, to realize your plan is perfect and greater than I can ever imagine. Help me to praise and trust You.

Jill Hendrix