Us Versus the World
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:20
When Mary first told Joseph she was expecting a child, he must have felt his whole world collapse. They were engaged to be married, and by all appearances, it looked like she had betrayed him. The story she told him sounded impossible. Yet before he could walk away, God stepped in. In a dream, the angel explained that what Mary had said was true. She had been chosen by God to carry His Son. Joseph woke up from that dream, faced with a decision that would define his life.
He could follow what made sense to everyone else, or he could follow what God said. He could protect his reputation, or he could protect Mary. In the end, Joseph chose faith over fear. He stood beside her when no one else believed her. He walked through the whispers and stares, trusting that God’s plan was worth the cost. Their faith was not just personal; it was shared. Together, they faced the pressure of a world that did not understand.
That is what faithfulness often looks like. It means standing firm beside those who are walking in obedience, even when the world doesn’t agree. Sometimes God will call you to believe in someone when everyone else turns away. Sometimes you will need to hold up another person’s arms in faith when they grow weary. The people who stand with you in your calling are a gift, and the moments you stand with them may be the way God displays His love through you.
Joseph’s courage teaches us that faith is not just about saying yes to God for ourselves. It is about supporting the people around us who have also said yes to Him. Maybe there is someone in your life right now who needs you to stand with them when it would be easier to step back.
Choose faithfulness over comfort. Choose conviction over convenience. The world may not understand, but God will honor it. Faithfulness always matters, especially when it feels like it’s just you and God against the world.
When Mary first told Joseph she was expecting a child, he must have felt his whole world collapse. They were engaged to be married, and by all appearances, it looked like she had betrayed him. The story she told him sounded impossible. Yet before he could walk away, God stepped in. In a dream, the angel explained that what Mary had said was true. She had been chosen by God to carry His Son. Joseph woke up from that dream, faced with a decision that would define his life.
He could follow what made sense to everyone else, or he could follow what God said. He could protect his reputation, or he could protect Mary. In the end, Joseph chose faith over fear. He stood beside her when no one else believed her. He walked through the whispers and stares, trusting that God’s plan was worth the cost. Their faith was not just personal; it was shared. Together, they faced the pressure of a world that did not understand.
That is what faithfulness often looks like. It means standing firm beside those who are walking in obedience, even when the world doesn’t agree. Sometimes God will call you to believe in someone when everyone else turns away. Sometimes you will need to hold up another person’s arms in faith when they grow weary. The people who stand with you in your calling are a gift, and the moments you stand with them may be the way God displays His love through you.
Joseph’s courage teaches us that faith is not just about saying yes to God for ourselves. It is about supporting the people around us who have also said yes to Him. Maybe there is someone in your life right now who needs you to stand with them when it would be easier to step back.
Choose faithfulness over comfort. Choose conviction over convenience. The world may not understand, but God will honor it. Faithfulness always matters, especially when it feels like it’s just you and God against the world.
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6 Comments
Thank you Pastor Ed! He knows us so well. Very extreme example but it’s clear. We can do this together. If it were me he might have brought more evidence lol. “There’s nothing wrong with needing a little reassurance from time to time.” What a modest way of introducing the Holy Spirit. You’re never alone. Pick up the phone
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I love how it says to choose conviction, I have been trying to implement this. I have seen people sitting in the car and that i could they were in distress. I have simply walked up to check on them and it resulted in us standing together in faith and love in Him. Community is so important, however I feel I have not found my tribe. I have faith i will! Please pray I do.
I agree with this! Joining a small group change my perspective on everything. This is what it means to have a community. It’s great! I didn’t have what I needed before this either.
Lacy - A good place is a Community group to connect with your tribe. I’d be happy to share if you want to talk.
I agree with this! Joining a small group change my perspective on everything. This is what it means to have a community. It’s great! I didn’t have what I needed before this either.
Yes is very important to have a tribe, God did not put us on this earth for us to be by ourselves or to keep our gifts to ourselves. It’s very important to lend a have in hand when the Holy Spirit leaves you.
Lacy, I agree with what Margaret said about your possibly finding your tribe through a Community Group. I joined one almost two years ago and the blessings of fellowship and belonging have been immeasurable. I found some true sisters in Christ. Our group is the Hope Circle and we would welcome you to our tribe!