Obeying in Trust

Promises. Covenants. A whole history of promises from generation to generation. “I will establish your descendants forever . . . . My steadfast love I will keep for him for ever.” What hope-filled promises God makes to David that carry on over many years through to Saint Joseph!

A man, honored amongst all the saints; a simple man chosen to be the spouse of our Blessed Mother, the earthly father of God’s son, a key player in the fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind. Today we honor and celebrate Saint Joseph and what he gave to us by providing for and protecting Jesus as He grew. We give thanks for his faithful obedience to God and His plan.

And yet, Saint Joseph’s part was not without hardship. God didn’t offer him an easy life in return for playing the part of Jesus’ foster father. He was an ordinary man with an extraordinary mission. And the part remembered? His obedience.

When given instructions, Joseph unquestioningly and humbly believed and obeyed. Limited by his scope of knowledge of what was to come and regardless of the outcome, Joseph chose to obey.

How many times in our days do we question God’s instructions? Do we ask “Um, but have you thought about this?” How often do we proffer our own suggestions, or perhaps, a better plan? An easier route. A way with less hardships.

One of the things I think the most beautiful about our faith is that our sufferings, doubts, and weariness are worth something. When offered up alongside our trusting obedience, they amount to something. God doesn’t promise us ease or a life free of pain, but He does offer us abundant Life.

Just as Saint Joseph, may we listen for instruction and trust in God as we walk in His story for each of us. Because even in our failings, God remains faithful and offers grace. He sees each act of obedience we make and remembers those. And that’s the story I want to claim as my own, don’t you?

Today take a moment to think about one way you can work on being obedient in trusting in God's greater plan for you. What is something you are holding back in?

Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, and when not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, or writing at her blog. You can find out more about her here.