On what do you base your decisions? Is it whatever will make you happy, feel good or whatever is easiest? That is probably not the best decision-making process which you can choose. Have you found that poor decisions have led to poor results?

Joseph had a decision to make, one which would mean the protection of Jesus”™ life. Joseph and Mary were responsible for the Son of God.

And Joseph had heard of some “˜good news”™ ““ King Herod had died. He also heard the “˜bad news”™ ““ one of King Herod”™s sons, a known tyrant, was in charge of the area that included Bethlehem.

(NASB) Matthew 2:22-23 “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,

23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “˜He shall be called a Nazarene.”™”

Godly wisdom includes the knowledge of circumstances. So how can anyone know for certain where God is leading?

Picture Joseph”™s quandary in the land of Egypt. He had fled with Mary and the Child Jesus from the murderous king Herod the Great and was now living in a foreign land. Joseph kept in touch with what was going on politically in Israel. And the wicked king was dead. However, Archelaus was known for his cruelty.

Joseph knew that Messiah was to grow up in Israel. Yet Bethlehem would be like going from the frying pan into the fire. God affirmed the realistic concerns Joseph had by warning him in a dream. The decision was made to return to Joseph and Mary”™s hometown, Nazareth. It was a small and obscure place where Jesus would grow up in safety.

Joseph made a godly and wise decision based on circumstances, God”™s word and the sense of peace he was given with the decision. (See the above verses)

You and I also can use the same basic processes for making wise and godly decisions.

~ Always start with prayer ~

1- Does your decision agree with God”™s word, the Holy Bible?

2- Does your decision agree with others in the body of Christ whom you ask and who give godly counsel?

3- Do circumstances line up with the knowledge you have?

4- Do you have peace “˜within”™; if not, go back to the beginning and re-think your decision.

What decision are you dealing with today?