God With Us: Embracing Jesus During Confusing Times

Though He is not the author, confusing times can help you.

Back to story of Jacob

God spoke: “I am with you where ever you go. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised.”

This was the same promise for Joseph. Scripture says that it “Took place to fulfill what the Lord had said.”

*You embrace God in the confusing times by receiving His promise.

God’s plan for Joseph: to be the earthly father of Jesus

God’s plan for Jacob: to carry on the line and receive the promise of Abraham

God gave each of these men a place in His story.

What is God’s plan for you this year? Where is it that God’s story will intersect with yours?

God speaks away the fear so that we can focus on His larger agenda.

Joseph focused on the needs of his wife and new child, rather than his own needs.

Didn’t divorce her; took her home as his wife but didn’t become intimate with her.

Three are times when even good things must be set aside for the best. Joseph set aside the physical union with his wife for something much larger and better.

There are many good things that you can be involved in this year, but none as important as God’s kingdom, His larger agenda.

As the years unfolded, Joseph probably began to understand more and more of God’s larger agenda.

As this year unfolds, you will begin to understand more of God’s larger agenda for you and yours.

*You embrace Jesus in confusing times by focusing on His larger agenda.

GOD WITH US

Notice it didn’t say, God with me

God was with Joseph, but he was also with Mary, all of Israel, and the world.

God so loved . . . the world (that’s how big God’s agenda is).

Are you focused on God’s larger agenda?

Let’s go back to the story I started with

Psalm 71:1

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Confusing times are going to come. The question is what you do with them. Or better yet, what you allow Jesus to do with them. He knows about confusing times: i.e. garden of Gethsemane. Out of the confusion came purpose: “not what I will, but what You will.”

Out of Joseph’s confusion came purpose.

Out of Jacob’s confusion came purpose.

I promise that out of your confusion can come purpose if you put your trust in the Lord. During times of confusion, God doesn’t sit back idly watching, He is with you in those moments. How do I know? He is Immanuel: God with you, God with me, God with us.

Are you listening for God’s voice?

God speaks away the fear; Are you receiving God’s promise?

Are you focused on God’s larger agenda?

Perhaps you have never heard that God could be with you the way I described it today. Perhaps you have never heard about embracing Jesus into your life. Today is your day.

God is with you so embrace Jesus today.

Pastor Vinnie Cappetta, PhD.

Crossroads Community Church

Framingham MA

www.crosscommchurch.org