When something unusual happens, something beyond our human comprehension, something you and I can't explain with our own understanding, do you know that it's very easy for us to vilify the individual that is going through the unusual situation?
No wonder Joseph wanted to put Mary away secretly because of the unusual thing (miracle) that had occurred. Imagine Mary became pregnant without having sex. As a matter of fact, Joseph was so concerned about the unusual situation that he wanted to divorce Mary quickly and quietly. The book of Matthew 1:18-20 states:
18.Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (English Standard Version)
How do you react to unexpected situations in your life? Does the Word of God play a major role?
In the place of unusual circumstances, God expects you to:
- Seek Him for wisdom to understand the situation (James 1:5).
- God expects you to control your tongue, and for you to act with gentle and godly wisdom.
- God expects you to be swift to hear from Him, slow to speak to others and slow to getting angry (James 1:19).
- God expects you to call upon Him and ask for help (Jeremiah 33:3).
- While you may sorrow, God expects you to consciously respond with joy and believe He will see you through (James 1:2-4).
- God expects you to persevere under testing, and for you not to blame Him for it (James 1:12-18).
- God expects you to take necessary actions in line with the direction He tells you.
- God expects you to practice humility by depending on Him through prayers (James 5:13-18).
- God expects you to be careful of the counsel that you receive.
- God expects you to trust in Him and not in humans. Although He raises humans to help and guide us (Jeremiah 17:5-9).
How do you react to other people's unusual situations? Are you quick to vilify them?
What should be your role?
If God has not specifically told you why the individual is going through an unusual situation, do not use your earthly wisdom to comprehend it. Your role should include:
- Praying for the person. Ask God to give them the wisdom to deal with the situation.
- Ring them, send a text message and tell them that you are praying for them and ensure you pray for them.
- Do not pass negative information around, do not ask the individual inappropriate questions in line with your own understanding. Be led by the Holy Spirit in the place of asking questions.
- Maintain their confidentiality except their life is at risk.
- Myss Lafunky
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