18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25 (CSB)
If you want God to use you:
1. Ready to be used by God.
19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
Matthew 1:19 (CSB)
If you want God to use you:
2. Receptive to God’s Voice.
20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:20-25 (CSB)
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
Matthew 1:22 (CSB)
14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (CSB)
If you want God to use you:
3. Responsive to God’s Will.
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her
Matthew 1:24 (CSB)
13 After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my Son.,
Matthew 2:13-15 (CSB)
25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:25 (CSB)
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 (CSB)
22 You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was made complete.
James 2:22 (CSB)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (CSB)