God of the Impossible
For centuries God’s people had been waiting for the promised Messiah, each family hoping he would be born to them.
Then in an “impossible” dream, Joseph received a revelation from heaven telling him that Mary, his betrothed, was going to bear God’s son. An angel of the Lord instructed Joseph not to shame her, but to marry her and raise the Son of God as his own child. In this dream, God revealed that the coming baby was the promised one, the Messiah. (Matthew 1:18-25)
But was the dream really a nightmare for Joseph? Joseph must have wrestled with all that this news implied. For the rest of his life he might live with the whispers — whispers that he hadn’t been able to wait until the marriage bed, or worse, that he was raising another man’s child. For a righteous man like Joseph, the prospect of living with this shame might have been just as impossible to understand as a pregnant virgin.
Joseph probably considered the weight of responsibility — and its impact on his fiancée, Mary. How could he teach God’s Son anything? Would the Son of God want to play? Would he lead the Son of God in prayer? How would their own children feel? But Joseph put his doubts and questions aside and decided to accept the charge God had given him, regardless of the personal implications. And God blessed him, entrusting him with Jesus, who surely much have been a profound joy to have as his child.
You may have dreamed an impossible dream only to have it turn into a nightmare.
Perhaps it was the dream of a perfect child who has turned into a challenging teenager. Maybe you dreamed of a new start but are now struggling to make a blended family work. Perhaps the whispers of others are shouting louder than their words of praise. You have a world of responsibilities sitting on your shoulders, and you’re just not sure you can handle it all.
Do what Joseph did when facing the impossible. Bring Jesus into your home and invite him into your heart. He doesn’t know the word impossible because with him all things are possible. (Romans 8:28)
Reflection
What “impossible” news do you face? What comfort do you find in the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid”?
Remember, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28
Article drawn from a devotional in the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible.
NIV Women’s Devotional Bible
This Bible includes a full year of devotions written by women of God who offer inspiration, candid perspectives, and guidance. Includes a subject index to help you locate topics easily.
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Very encouraging indeed keep preaching the gospel.
So powerful. l felt much better after reading this article. May God continue using you in a miraculous way.
Just the right words for the right person in the right time. May God bless and empower you. 🙏
Tshidi, Do Not Be Afraid! I am working all things for your good. Judges 6:16
[16]The Lord saying to me Tshidi, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.
I will clear off any hindrance, any competition and pave the way for you my daughter. Be still and know that I am God. For the Egyptians you see today you shall see them no more!
Ohh, the goodness of the Lord. May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised! And may our enemies be confused and scattered! Amen.
I feel much better every day when I ready the Bible. God bless.
Thank you for this reminder! I needed this!
Wow! A powerful and heartwarming lesson. Inviting Jesus in impossible situations is the best thing that one can ever do.
Powerful challenge to let go trust God for my son.
This inspires HOPE ,COURAGE and WANT to go on praying. Keep on trusting God.
I am facing a very difficult season in my life. Many times I have trusted God and then give up when solutions are not forthcoming but I have started trusting him again, surrendering all to him again and let him take control of it all. I do not want to fight it or try to do it on my own anymore. This article speaks the word I want to hear and now holding onto each day. THANK YOU KING JESUS
Amen and Amen. Powerful Word!
God is Good. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit is our comforter.
I became a Christian in November 1963 and after 70 trying years on this planet its “Rejoice” reading this inspirational article!
I thank Jesus who agreed to be sent to this world. Having left the Holy Heaven and be crucified for mankind, by His Grace and Love, I also invited Him into my heart. Since I was crucified with Christ, I no longer live but Christ lives in me. What a reviving message. Many thanks NIV, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
So encouraging and uplifting for my faith.
I needed to hear this verse as I’m facing challenges right now. I’m trusting God with every challenge I face. Thank you.
All things works together to those who believe in Christ. Powerful and so profound.
I am trusting God and ask him to take over the health issues that I am trying to deal with by myself and let him take control of the situation.