(The following is a reprint from Dr. Brent Branham's devotional "The Sweet Words of Assurance: Do Not Fear!")

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-21)

There is so much emphasis given to Mary in the infancy narratives that we sometimes forget about Joseph. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, and the engagement was probably arranged by their parents anticipating the day of marriage. Joseph and Mary were good kids; they were practicing abstinence in their sexual relationship.

It was during this period of engagement (actually betrothal was a legally binding agreement that could only be broken by divorce or death) that Mary was found to be pregnant. This was a crisis situation that caused great concern to Joseph.

Being a “righteous man,” Joseph was not willing to make a public disgrace of Mary (or himself for that matter). So Joseph decided to divorce Mary privately in order to spare them both the pain of public shame.

We are not told about how long Joseph thought about this matter. It was probably only a matter of a few days or, at the longest, a couple of weeks. It was during this time that the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and informed him about the details of this situation. Joseph’s response was admirable and sets a pattern for our response to God during difficult times. The Scripture says, “Then Joseph being raised from his sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.” He not only took Mary as his wife but kept her a virgin until after Jesus was born (Matthew 1:24-25).

What kind of man is it that can bear up so well under such difficult circumstances? Fundamental to Joseph’s ability to handle these events was his personal relationship to God. Joseph had a foundation in his life and lived in such a way that he could be identified as a righteous man. It is this kind of living that pays great dividends when a crucial need arises. Joseph was honest, open, loving, and humble. Much could be said about young people (or older people) who possess such qualities.

A great an important lesson is here for us. The importance of having a foundation of righteousness in our lives must not be underestimated. The constant maintenance of our walk with the Lord pays off when the times of crisis come into our lives.

Joseph was a righteous man, a considerate man, a loving man, all of which enabled him to submit to the Lord's leading in his life in such a moment.

Are you willing to ask the Lord for a spirit like Joseph’s? Will you commit to a daily walk with the Lord in order that you might have great spiritual reserves for the crisis times in your life? Now is the time for making those investments for maximum dividends in the future. Is your heart an altar on which the flame of God can burn His love?

“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;

Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;

Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,

And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?

All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind;

I see Thy cross – there teach my heart to cling;

O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;

Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,

To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;

Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,

One holy passion filling all my frame;

The baptism of the heav’n-descended Dove,

My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

George Croly