Joseph had a huge dilemma.  Mary, to whom he was legally betrothed, was pregnant before their marriage; and he knew it was not his child.  An illegitimate birth would bring great shame on her family and Joseph's.  Although Mary had told him that she was carrying God's child, he really could not believe it – and he was about to make a bad decision to move her and the baby out of his life (Matthew 1:19).

So God intervened in his confused thoughts.  In a dream, Joseph was told the same message that Mary had received (Luke 1:26-37).  Joseph was also commanded to stand by Mary, and when the baby was born Joseph was given the responsibility of naming the child, Jesus.   By giving Joseph that responsibility, God showed the young man that it was His plan to involve him as the human guardian of the Saviour of the world.  

Joseph now believed God and trusted Mary.  There was to be no divorce, and he changed his plans - choosing to look after Mary and her baby, because God had spoken.  God’s promise, that somebody would bear the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:5-6), was to live in Joseph’s home.  The child to be born would be God’s king who would rule in perfect justice (Isaiah 9:6-7).  But the child was also born to suffer (Isaiah 53:11) and die (Psalm 22:16-18).  God’s instruction to Joseph was much needed, “do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife …”.  It was not only the fear of shame and the unknown, it was also the awesome responsibility of looking after God’s Son and supporting Mary whose joy would turn to grief one day.    

Throughout the Bible we find that when God wants to include people in what He wants to do, He tells them.  It is the same for us.  It might not be clear at first, because God only gives us enough information to ensure that we know we cannot walk away, and that His plans are both good and safe.  He often also shares His plans with someone else.  That will confirm to us that the idea is really from God, and also gives us strength through the fellowship of shared convictions.  So, if you are confused or unsure of what is the best thing to do, wait for the Lord to show you the next step and, also in some way, to confirm what you are to do.