We can choose to look at our problems differently. We can embrace kindness, persistence, and joy, instead of fear. When we do, we free ourselves from the expectations of others and we bring hope into our world.

Joseph was No Stranger to Poverty. In an agrarian society, Joseph was a carpenter. He had no land to farm because it was likely his father had no land to leave to him. This is one of the reasons Joseph could be so flexible in his family’s living arrangements.

Joseph’s World had Many Social Expectations. Joseph knew that people talked, especially about things they didn’t understand or that frightened them.

We all have at least a little understanding of a culture that punishes us.  How can we deal with difficult times and challenging social norms? 

Matthew 1:18-19 (NLT) This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Joseph Expressed Kindness in spite of His Pain. 

Marriage worked a little differently then. Today you have an engagement, then a wedding, and then you are married. Then you do married people things… like argue. In Israel, they were betrothed first and the betrothal WAS the marriage. The wedding came later.  So, betrothal was a tad more serious than engagement. Joseph was actually going to have to divorce Mary due to the pregnancy.

Joseph’s kindness shines through. This had to hurt. No matter how gentle and sweet Mary was, the whole, “God miraculously impregnated me”, cast some serious doubt. This just wasn’t believable. Joseph didn’t believe it, nor understand it, but he was still kind.

God has a way of doing unbelievable things. Don’t we expect everything to be reasonable and rational? We expect to use our reason and understanding to comprehend the Bible and to understand what God is doing. Joseph’s situation captures the complexity of the issue. God did something that no one could understand or even believe. 

Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT) …“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph was now going to be part of something VERY big. God’s plan from before creation was happening. And Joseph was going to be a part of it.

Luke 2:4-6 (NLT) And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.

Joseph Persisted When He Was Pressed. 

Persistence and Faithfulness are incredibly powerful. Your life is not a product of your exceptions. You are living the life you are CONSISTENTLY choosing to live. (Isn’t that exciting!?) 

One word for this is faithfulness. Joseph was faithful… 

Okay God, you want me to be a stepdad to your Son. Okay. 

Well, it’s tough for a carpenter to make a living, but here we go. 

So we need to travel to Bethlehem and Mary is 9 months pregnant. Okay. 

There is nowhere to stay and I have no family here anymore. The barn it is. 

The Wise Guys were nice, but the trip to Egypt? Alright. 

And on it went. From Bethlehem to Egypt then Nazareth and every year, to Jerusalem. But Joseph was faithful.

Persistence is empowered by Vision and Purpose. Why was he faithful? Because he had God’s word, God’s promise on his situation. When you know what God wants you to do, it helps you hold on during the tough times.

Ephesians 2:10 (NET) For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.

God has a purpose and vision for your life too. You are His work of art. God is doing something in this world through you. God is saying something to this world through you. So, persist. Keep at it. Keep going. Keep growing.  Stay close to Him, and you will often – See His Hand – Hear His Voice.

Luke 2:41 (NLT) Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

Joseph Knew How To Celebrate Too

They were poor, but they went to Jerusalem each year. Times may have been hard, but remembering and rejoicing are important. Of course, Passover was a sober night, but it was a celebration after the Sabbath. They were remembering what God had done to free Israel.

How can we learn to have joy and rejoice even though times are difficult? I can’t enjoy the painful moments, can I? Paul spent a lot of time in jail and recovering from injuries. He wrote…

Philippians 4:4 (NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

There is so much to enjoy. So much to celebrate. There are so many blessings in your life. You have spiritual blessings. You are seated in Christ above your enemies and at God’s right hand. You have an Identity as a son of God and the Bride of Christ.

Faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence. It denies it a place of influence. – Bill Johnson.

Kindness, persistence, and joy are the secrets to courage. They are keys to overcoming fear and unrealistic expectations. We often use complaining, whining, and anger to deal with our reality. What if we tried something different? Maybe then, Jesus would show up!