Real Strength Looks Like Obedience to God—Just Ask Joseph

When God speaks, it may not come with a thunderclap—but it will come with purpose. Like Joseph, we’re called to obey, even when the road is unclear. It’s time. Will you move when He says go?

Matthew 2:13–15

“After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,’ the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”—Matthew 2:13

We all know this part of the Christmas story—but how often do we stop to think about the real weight of it? As a father myself, I can’t imagine receiving a message like that. By now, Joseph knows this child is no ordinary baby. Still, imagine the fear in hearing: “Get up and run to Egypt—someone is trying to kill your child.”

Talk about urgency. Talk about faith under fire.

I can only speculate what must have been going through Joseph’s mind. It’s already been a whirlwind—Mary’s miraculous pregnancy, the journey to Bethlehem, the birth in a stable. And now this. As the protector of his family, Joseph is told to leave everything behind and flee.

What does he do? No hesitation. No arguing. No delay. Joseph gets up and obeys.

That kind of obedience to God is rare—and deeply inspiring. Think about how easy it would have been to say, “Mary just gave birth, we need to rest,” or “Maybe we misunderstood the dream.” But they didn’t delay. And because of that, the story didn’t end in tragedy.

Some might say, “Well sure, I’d listen too if an angel showed up!” But here’s the thing: the same God who sent the angel to Joseph is speaking to you today.

It’s not God’s job to make sure you’re listening. It’s your job to seek Him.

You might not see angels in your dreams, but you have His Word in your hands. You have His Spirit in your heart. And if you're not tuning in, you'll miss the message. Seek Him daily—through prayer, Scripture, and quiet moments. Let that relationship grow. Don’t let a lack of understanding or wavering faith rewrite the story God is trying to tell through your life.

Obedience to God may not always be easy or logical—but it’s always the right response when He speaks. Joseph showed us what it looks like to walk in trust, even when the path was uncertain.

Joseph’s story is unique, yes—but yours can still be powerful. Yours can still lead others to the heart of the Father.

And the beautiful part? Your story is still being written.

Praise God, we still have time to choose the right path-and walk it in full obedience to God.

Amen.

“That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: ‘I called my Son out of Egypt.’”—Matthew 2:14–15

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