Sometimes we are too close to the action to see it in perspective.  Joseph's dilemma of how best to handle the situation of Mary's unexpected pregnancy was massive (Matthew 1:18-19), until God told him that his betrothed wife had not been impure but was carrying God’s Son (Matthew 1:20-23).  However, Matthew, as he wrote his Gospel, wanted his readers to understand that what was happening to Mary and Joseph was not only their personal challenge, but part of a much bigger plan.

700 years previously, Isaiah had announced that God would come to earth to live among His people, having been born as a baby to a young woman who had never slept with anybody.  The virgin's conception was God's long-planned intervention in a sinful world, to bring sinners back to Himself.  And Joseph was not an ‘extra’ in God’s drama but written into the script.  

Both Mary’s and Joseph’s roles were included in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  The angel Gabriel did not only tell Mary that the child was to be called ‘Jesus’ (Luke 1:31), but also told Joseph - who would announce Immanuel’s personal name, ‘Jesus' at the circumcision ceremony (Matthew 1.21). That truth brought peace and purpose to Joseph (Matthew 1:24-25).  The events around him took on a new meaning as God's message to Mary was confirmed, not only in his dream but also by God's written Word.

God is always ahead of our circumstances.  He does not rush around trying to repair broken people, responding to emergency calls from a dysfunctional world.  His Word comes first, and all that happens is shaped by what He says.  Every rescue has been planned long before any disaster strikes.  Long-term Christian discipleship is impossible without the assurance that God is in command.  Ultimately His Word (and not the circumstances) will achieve God’s purpose.  It is an amazing privilege to be included in God’s plan: trust His Word because it will always bring the right outcome and our blessing (Romans 8:28).