Who's The Daddy? The Joseph & Mary (#1037 - Elim)

Send us a text https://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/What happens when God"s calling doesn"t fit neatly into your life plan? When following Jesus means stepping away from cultural norms and expectations? In this powerful episode, Pastor Ben Cooper explores the profound truth that genuine discipleship doesn’t always align with worldly expectations. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or out of place, this message offers deep encouragement. Through the story of Mary and Joseph—two ordinary people called to a miraculous purpose—Pastor Ben invites you to see the beauty in embracing the messiness of divine calling. Key Discussion Points:The Unexpected Calling of Mary and Joseph: At the center of this message is the radical story of Mary and Joseph. Both were ordinary people, yet God’s plan for their lives defied every social norm. A virgin pregnancy, a heavenly conception, and the birth of a Savior—none of this made sense by human standards. In Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25, we see how God’s calling for their lives was messy, controversial, and full of unimaginable challenges. Pastor Ben highlights how their story shows that God"s purposes rarely fit within our neatly planned lives. Their obedience changed the course of history, despite societal rejection and misunderstanding.The Paradox of Kingdom Living: Pastor Ben emphasizes a key lesson: in God’s Kingdom, the impossible becomes possible. What seems chaotic or broken in human terms can be exactly where God’s power shines through. The journey of discipleship often involves stepping into the unknown, trusting that God’s purpose is greater than any earthly logic. The message draws inspiration from 2 Corinthians 12:9—“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."” The discomfort of living outside societal norms can be where God’s strength is most visible.Jesus’ Understanding of Our Struggles: As Christians, we are not immune to the pain of misunderstanding or the struggle to balance our spiritual calling with everyday life. Jesus Himself experienced deep anguish, particularly in Matthew 26:36-39 during His time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Pastor Ben uses this moment to remind listeners that Jesus intimately understands our fears, doubts, and moments of darkness. When we feel overwhelmed by the chaos around us, we can rest in the truth that Christ is with us, sharing in our struggles.The Privilege of Embracing God"s Plan: Following God"s calling often means facing resistance, not just from society but from close friends and even family members who can"t understand why our lives don’t fit into conventional boxes. The story of Joseph’s obedience, despite his confusion and social stigma, reminds us that God’s plan often defies human expectations. Pastor Ben encourages listeners to embrace the beautiful messiness of God"s calling, trusting that His purpose far outweighs societal approval. Conclusion: Are you feeling out of place or like your calling doesn’t fit into the box that society has created? You’re not alone. Like Mary and Joseph, the journey of faith is often filled with challenges and misunderstandings. However, God’s purpose for your life is far greater than any human expectation. When you feel that your life doesn’t make sense to others, it might just be aligning perfectly with God’s extraordinary plan. Trust Him and embrace the divine calling, knowing that the messiness of discipleship often reveals the depth of His power and love. Call to Action: If you’ve bee Support the show https://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/