Hearing God and Trusting His Voice.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, even when you’re doing exactly what God has called you to do. It has a way of throwing a curveball at you when you least expect it! That’s exactly what happened to Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus.
They were probably settling into a routine as new parents when suddenly, in the middle of the night, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream with urgent instructions: “Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him” (Matthew 2:13).
Joseph immediately packed up his family and fled to Egypt so that he could protect Jesus from the murderous King Herod, who had issued a command proclaiming that every boy under the age of two years old in the region was to be killed.
This story reminds us that following God doesn’t guarantee comfort or safety from hardship and trials. But it does guarantee God’s presence, protection, and guidance through everything.
It also gives us a powerful example for anyone facing a sudden change or a difficult transition, when circumstances feel overwhelming. Joseph didn’t question, argue, or delay. He got up immediately and did what God commanded.
The Scripture
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)
Understanding Matthew 2:13
Let’s take a look at what this passage teaches us about trusting God no matter what life throws at us.
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.” God spoke to Joseph through dreams multiple times throughout the nativity story. God doesn’t always communicate the same way with everyone. For Joseph, dreams were God’s chosen method. The key is to be attentive and responsive when God speaks, however He chooses to speak to you.
“‘Get up,’ he said, ‘ take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.…” The urgency is clear. Joseph didn’t have time to plan or think, he had to move quickly. The journey to Egypt wasn’t short or easy. It was approximately 100 miles away and would have taken days, possibly weeks, especially with a young child.
“Stay there until I tell you…” Joseph didn’t know how long they’d be in Egypt. The instruction was open-ended. That required trust. Joseph had to obey without knowing when he’d return home, how long they’d be away, or how everything would work out.
“…for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” The threat was very real! Jesus’ life was in danger. Even the Messiah, the Son of God, faced real threats in this broken world.
Matthew 2:14 tells us, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.” Joseph saved Jesus’ life by obeying without debate, second-guessing, or delay.
Faith in Action
Listen for God’s voice. God spoke to Joseph in dreams. How is God speaking to you? Through Scripture, through prayer, through the people around you, through circumstances? Stay attentive. Don’t miss what God is saying because you’re too distracted or too busy to listen.
Obey immediately. When God gives clear direction, especially in urgent situations, don’t delay. Immediate obedience can be the difference between safety and disaster, between blessing and missed opportunity. Trust God enough to act quickly.
Trust God in transitions. Transitions are hard. If you’re in a season of upheaval and uncertainty, remember: God is with you, and He walks with you through everything.
Accept that following God isn’t always comfortable. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus became refugees. Following God’s plan didn’t mean comfort and an easy life. Don’t assume something is wrong in your life if it gets hard. Trust His protection and purpose.
Wait for God’s next instruction. Joseph stayed in Egypt “until” God told him to leave. Don’t move ahead of God or lag behind Him. Wait for His timing and His direction. Being patient is just as important as doing.
Reflection Questions
- Has God ever called you to make a difficult or sudden transition? How did you respond, and what did you learn from this experience?
- Joseph obeyed immediately without knowing all the details or how long they’d be in Egypt. How comfortable are you with following God when you don’t have the full picture or timeline?
- Following God doesn’t always mean safety from hardship. How does this truth challenge or encourage you in your current season?
- How do you typically respond to sudden change or crisis—with trust and obedience like Joseph, or with fear and resistance? Is there anything you need to change?
- Joseph waited in Egypt until God told him it was time to return. Are you currently in a “waiting” season? How can you trust God’s timing and stay obedient while you wait?
- How can you listen for God’s voice and direction in the middle of a busy or stressful season? Are there any changes you need to make to your lifestyle so that you are more in tune with His voice?
Affirmation
God guides me through everything, and I will trust His direction and wait for His timing.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank You for Joseph’s example of immediate obedience and trust.
Help me to listen for Your voice and respond quickly when You speak. Give me the courage to follow You into difficult or uncertain transitions, trusting that You go with me.
Protect me in seasons of hardship and guide me through every change. Teach me to wait patiently for Your next instruction and to trust Your timing.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
