Saying "Yes"

Matthew 1 : 18 - 24

....he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him...

We often focus on Mary's "Yes" to God in the birth narrative of Jesus. Matthew the gospel writer reminds us that there was another who had to say "Yes" : Joseph. Hearing of Mary's pregnancy, Joseph was in a terrible dilemma. But being a devout person, he was not impulsive in his decisions. That gave him the chance to 'hear' God's guidance through the angel. And indeed, he took a very bold step of faith in following his 'dream', as guidance given by God.

It is not easy when we are in a dilemma to discern God's voice. The many noisy voices inside (our own thoughts and desires) and outside (all the well meaning advice we receive from others!) clamor for attention. Even when the decision to be made is not such a major one, all these noises are confusing. At this point of transition, I have been praying for clarity about my involvement in church. So far, there has not been much clarity even though I have prayerfully listed out the pros and cons of each choice. But I do realize that these internal deliberations will not bring me to clarity....as long as I have not surrendered the decision to God. It is OK to be drawn more by one option than another...but at the end of the day, I must be able to say deep within that I have the freedom of heart to make God's choice my own (that is, if I am truly asking him and not just confirming my own choice!)

It may seem that Joseph had it easy : a visitation by an angel through a dream! Well, I guess that represents a more extraordinary manner of being led by God. But it may not happen too often and I should be satisfied to hear the "quiet voice" within; one that I can make out is not my own and therefore 'know' comes from the Lord.

One question struck me in the sermon last Sunday. "What is your purpose in life?" I think this will be a pertinent question for me at this time of transition. Jesus was named according to his purpose: Jesus meaning "the Lord saves" and Immanuel giving expression to his presence with us.
I wonder how I will hear my name called by God...the name that expresses his purposes for me? That will certainly give me a clue to his 'leading'.