Faith Over FearSample

Joseph had every reason to walk away from Mary. From his perspective, it looked like betrayal. The woman he was pledged to marry was expecting a child that wasn’t his. He had already decided to separate from her quietly (Matthew 1:19), a way of protecting both her dignity and his own. But then God interrupted.

In the quiet of the night, an angel appeared with a message: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Mary’s story was not a scandal, it was a sacred plan. God was at work in a way that no one had seen before. Joseph had a choice to make.

And his decision was courageous and counter-cultural. Choosing to take Mary as his wife meant stepping into public judgement, risking his reputation and shouldering the weight of something he couldn’t fully explain.

His faith wasn’t just internal trust – it was bold obedience in the face of misunderstanding. He didn’t let fear decide his future. Instead, he aligned his life with what God had asked of him, even when it was costly, even when it didn’t make sense.

Sometimes, following God means letting go of what others think. It might mean sacrificing comfort or reputation. Joseph’s story reminds us that faith is more than belief. It’s trust put into action. It’s choosing God’s way, even when it costs us something.

When has God invited you to choose obedience over comfort? What does it look like to follow God when others might not understand?

Lord, help me to listen for your voice above the noise. Give me the strength to follow you, even when it costs me something. Amen.