Courage Like Joseph

I have spent many an Advent season reflecting on Mary and her story. I had the enormous privilege of playing her part in a beautiful church musical as a senior in high school, wrote a song about her role of mother from Jesus' conception to the cross in college, and have often pondered her circumstances and sacrifices. I have not spent as much time considering the plight of Joseph and what the call to adoptive fatherhood cost him. I wish we knew more of his story than we do, but for the verses we do get of him, I am amazed at the selfless love he had for Mary and Jesus. His heart was moldable, usable, teachable, and if I could have anything in life, I hope it is a heart like that.

There was every good and culturally acceptable reason upon hearing of Mary's pregnancy that Joseph should break off their engagement and move on with his life. Even at the initial thought of this preferred course of action, we see the kindness of his character in his intent to do so quietly. (Matt. 1:19)

"And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly."

Things are not always as they seem. Sometimes God calls us to do the opposite of what is rational or culturally acceptable. Sometimes God calls us to do the unthinkable. Courage is not the ABSENCE of fear, but rather the ACTION you take in the middle of fear. Faith is marked by taking steps forward, even into the unknown. Joseph considered his options, but as soon as he heard God's instructions in a dream, "he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him." (Matt. 1:24) A chapter later, God tells Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Again, immediately "Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt."

Now, I know what you are thinking...God does not send angels to talk to you in dreams. Every angel encounter begins with "fear not," so we would also likely listen to such commands given the apparent terrifying nature of angel appearances. But He DOES send people, circumstances, words and thoughts given by the Holy Spirit. Any pre-pentecost Bible character would contend that we have the better end of history with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Even the prophet Elijah--who had a direct line to God--learned that flashy revelations are often not God's style, but rather the still and quiet voice is often His preferred method. (1 Kings 19)

I learned in 2022 a lot about listening and following the whisper voice of God. About a year ago, I began hearing Him tell me there was a place for me to work in music with the children of Canton. I found that very confusing as I was wrapping up 5 years of work on my M.Div. degree and thought surely I'd be writing Bible studies or teaching theology somewhere. I asked my friend if she thought a children's chorus would do well here and she thought that was a possibility. Then, two months later, she asked if I would think about teaching in the public schools. Given that my teaching certificate had long expired, I had to give that idea some serious thought and prayer. The opening for the elementary/intermediate music teacher came available in March and after A LOT of thought, prayer, and family discussions, I decided to renew my teaching certificate and apply. I later interviewed and was given the job.

Now, I have been teaching music in some way, shape, or form for the past 20 years, but I had not been in a classroom for...awhile. There was a lot to remember, learn, and figure out to prepare for my 1,000+ students before I met them in August. I questioned whether I was up to the task or had the energy for such a position, but I continually reminded myself that I was called to this and God does not call the equipped, but rather equips the called. I found this to be true over and over this year. God granted me energy when I had none, ideas when my brain was full, peace when I felt anxiety, and mostly the simple joy of watching kids discover music. Years ago, upon hearing another call from God--the one to teach the Bible--I taught one of my favorite studies by Priscilla Shirer about Gideon. I first participated in that study and then loved it so much I decided to teach it to a small group of young mothers at my house. My biggest takeaway, which has remained with me ever since, was that God's power is shown in a mighty way in our weakness. I am confident that I can not do my current work in my own strength. I can praise God that He goes before me, beside me, behind me, and all around me each and every day.

Joseph had a challenging calling. Being the earthly father to God incarnate was no small task. He rose to the challenge--literally rose from the dream(s) to the challenges ahead. The snapshots of Joseph's actions we get in scripture convince me that he was courageous in his willingness to say yes to whatever God asked him to do.

What is God calling you toward in 2023? Is it out of your comfort zone? I hope so. I don't really like participating in anything I am not already good at because I hate to fail. However, there is no better way to witness the power of God in your life than to allow Him to be the guide. Being a teacher and being a mother are two things at which I will never be an expert. I have to remain humble, open, and curious. I think the greatest gift seminary gave me is curiosity. Curiosity about what God is doing in and around me. Curiosity about others and their journeys. Learning to be more open and less dogmatic. Learning to be a participant in my life with God rather than having to take charge all the time.

I know some are walking into the coming year wincing and tiptoeing based on the devastating losses of the past two years. Like maybe if we come in quietly, perhaps 2023 won't hurt so much. I know many people who say 2022 was their hardest year. I admit it was not for me. It was far better than 2020 or 2021, but wherever we stand today, maybe we can walk into 2023 with confidence. Not confidence that "this is our year" as we often like to claim because no year is actually our year. Each and every year is God's and His perspective in the grand narrative is far greater than our own. But if we walk in the door of '23 with the confidence that we truly have nothing to fear because we serve a good God who walks with us, then maybe we can view this year as an adventure. Who knows what it will hold? God knows. He is already there. He is up to all the tasks and will guide you in yours if you allow Him that place in your life.

If you asked me last December what I would be doing this December, I would have never guessed in a million years. That makes me excited about next December. There is growth to come, wisdom to gain, and people to love. I can't wait to see what He does in your life and mine.

Blessings on you and yours:

Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom should I fear?

The LORD is the defense of my life;

Whom should I dread?

2When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,

My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

3If an army encamps against me,

My heart will not fear;

If war arises against me,

In spite of this I am confident.

4One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD

And to meditate in His temple.

5For on the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;

He will hide me in the secret place of His tent;

He will lift me up on a rock.

6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,

And I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

7Hear, LORD, when I cry with my voice,

And be gracious to me and answer me.

8When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,

“I shall seek Your face, LORD.”

9Do not hide Your face from me,

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not abandon me nor forsake me,

God of my salvation!

10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

But the LORD will take me up.

11Teach me Your way, LORD,

And lead me on a level path

Because of my enemies.

12Do not turn me over to the desire of my enemies,

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And the violent witness.

13I certainly believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.

14Wait for the LORD;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the LORD.

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Video version of today's blog:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f4b940_e43b3ad8e2db43288a34abb446283b3d/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Citations and Resources:

• 1 Kings 19

• Psalm 27

• Matthew 1 and 2

Bible Reading Plan:

If you want to read through the Bible chronologically in 2023, I will be using the Bible Recap resources and would love to have you join me! It is free and a great way to understand the whole of scripture from Genesis-Revelation. Find out more here: http://www.thebiblerecap.com/start