“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘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 1:18-19

I have been thinking about Joseph the past few days. I cannot imagine how he felt when he heard the news that his “soon-to-be wife” was pregnant. Talk about a game changer. All his future family plans were suddenly changed. His life was interrupted. He could have opted out. He could have walked away. He entertained the idea. Matthew 1:19 says, “he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

But he didn’t. And because he stayed, embraced God’s plan, and obeyed God, he got to witness one of the biggest “God moments” in the history of the world. Joseph not only got to witness it, he got to play an essential role in it. He got to be Jesus’ earthly daddy. 

I think most “God moments” come into our lives disguised as interruptions.

 We have our plans all laid out. We have our ducks lined up in nice neat tidy rows. Then BAM!!! Out of nowhere–interruption!!! 

How many blessings have I missed out on because I chose to opt out or ignore the interruption? 

How many times have I allowed a bad attitude to steal my joy when a situation invaded my life that I didn’t plan on?  

Interruptions in life are not easy. Most of the time they are down right difficult. But I do believe they are often tests of our character and our obedience to God. And if we handle them with wisdom, God’s way, they often produce the greatest blessings in our lives. 

So today, if you are interrupted, pause and ask the Lord for wisdom and direction. Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” 

The next interruption could be a “God moment” where you get to witness something huge God is up to. You might even get to play an essential role in His work, like Joseph. 

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21