JOSEPH'S PRAYER

by Max Lucado

 
Nothing stirs so many questions as does the birth of Christ.   The innkeeper too busy to welcome God-did he ever learn who he turned away?   The shepherds-did they ever hum the song the angels sang?   The wise men who followed the star-what was it like to worship a toddler?   And Joseph, especially Joseph.   I've got questions for Joseph.
 
What was he thinking while Jesus was being born?   He'd done all he could do-he'd made Mary as comfortable as she could be in a barn and then he stepped out.  She'd asked to be alone, and Joseph has never felt more so.
 
In that eternity between his wife's dismissal and Jesus' arrival, what was he thinking?  He walked into the night and looked into the stars.   Did he pray?
 
I wonder what he said … This isn't the way I planned it, God.   This doesn't seem right.   What kind of husband am I?   I provide no midwife to aid my wife.   No bed to rest her back.   Her pillow is a blanket from my donkey.   My house for her is a shed of hay and straw.
 
Did I miss something?   Did I, God?
 
You've stood where Joseph stood.   Caught between what God says and what makes sense.   You've done what he told you to do only to wonder if it was him speaking in the first place.   You've stared into a sky blackened with doubt.
 
If you are asking what Joseph asked, let me urge you to do what Joseph did.   Obey.  That's what he did.   He obeyed when the angel called.   He obeyed when Mary explained.   He obeyed when God sent.
 
Just like Joseph, you can't see the whole picture.   Just like Joseph your task is to see that Jesus is brought into your part of your world.   And just like Joseph you have a choice: to obey or disobey.   Because Joseph obeyed, God used him to change the world.
 
Can he do the same with you?