God’s Purpose in Our Pain

God’s Purpose in Our PainMatthew 1:18-21Have you ever been a situation where there seems to be no right answer? That must have been how Joseph felt when he first learned that Mary was pregnant. How did he handle this painful situation? We often forget about Joseph when it comes to the Christmas story. Joseph has no words recorded in Scripture, but he speaks by his actions. We will see that just as God chose Mary to raise Jesus, he also chose this quiet, righteous carpenter. Joseph, though dead, still speaks through his faith (Heb. 11:4). Take Home Message: God can use our greatest pain for his greatest purposes. Joseph walked with God through…-       The Pain.-       Matt. 1:18– Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. -       The Wrestling.-       Matt. 1:19– And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. -       The Relief.-       Matt. 1:20– But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. -       The Purpose.-       Matt. 1:21– She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Take Home QuestionsDo you believe that God is in control?Do you believe that God is good?Will you trust and obey God when things don’t make sense?