by[25] “But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” – Matthew 1:25 (NIV)
After the angel of the Lord had instructed Joseph to take Mary home as his wife, the turmoil in his life didn’t end. In Matthew 1:25, the Bible says he didn’t consummate their marriage until Mary gave birth to Jesus. In other words, he didn’t have sex with pregnant Mary until she gave birth. That probably means Joseph waited for about nine months before having his first sex with his wife. Today, how many men can be that patient?
In an age where there are all kinds of sexual immorality going on, both by married couples and single ones, it is a lot more difficult for people to abstain from sex before marriage and much more to think about holding back sex after the wedding. Hmm! But Joseph was incredibly patient. Maybe he didn’t know that pregnancy sex doesn’t affect the child, probably because such research findings weren’t available at that time. But anyway, he didn’t allow impatience to interfere with what God was doing in his wife’s life, although he wasn’t so comfortable with it. Mary had even to leave the house to stay with Elizabeth for months. Think about that.
I know today’s devotional may be about relationships and marriage in general. But what about other areas in your life that God wants you to demonstrate patience? Sometimes, it isn’t that you don’t have what it takes to do what you want. You can have it, but God may be doing a project within you that will necessitate you to be patient. Don’t let impatience interfere with what God is doing in you.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me be patient as I learn to embrace what You are doing in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 357
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