Matthew tells us that Joseph found out that Mary was “with child” and “was minded to put her away,” for he knew the Child was not his. Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and reassured him, telling him to take Mary as his wife, for the Child was “of the Holy Spirit.” So Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son” (Matt. 1:18-25). The NASB has, “kept her a virgin until she gave birth.” Joseph and Mary, in order to fulfill and not impede the will of God, exercised their willpower to abstain from marital relations until the Child was born.
What a lesson for our young people (and any unmarrieds) today! Here was a married couple, who had the exclusive right to enjoy marital relations, but exercised self control in order to glorify their Father. The pressures today to yield to premarital sexual cravings are intense, but God has given us the power to overcome, just like He did for Joseph and Mary! The question is: are you wanting to fulfill or impede God’s will for you? Will your decisions glorify your Father?