SUPPORT FOR MEN INVOLVED IN AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

For You From The Word 

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.
(Matthew 1:24)

For You To Think About 

Joseph didn’t plan to marry a pregnant woman and raise a child that wasn’t biologically his. So when Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, he needed to process the situation.

A man in a relationship with pregnant woman faces unique choices. You can offer men support when you share Joseph’s story and the steps he took during this crucial juncture in his life.

Joseph listened. It would have been easy for Joseph to follow his initial instinct to ditch Mary. Since the child was not Joseph’s, he would have been well within Hebrew law to do so. But Joseph earnestly sought God’s leading, received clear guidance, and followed it (Matthew 1:24). Listening is doubly important if the child belongs to the father biologically.
Joseph loved Mary. “The most important thing a father can do for a child,” according to an unknown source, “is love their mother.” Joseph took Mary as his wife and helped raise the baby (Matthew 1:24). While not every birth dad may be called to marry the birth mom, showing her love and respect are always in the best interest of a child.
Joseph provided protection. He stayed with Mary when she gave birth. He made sure the baby and mother were kept safe from Herod’s killers, even though it meant relocating the family to Egypt (Luke 2:4, Matthew 2:13-14).

For You To Pray

Loving Father,
Help birth dads seek Your guidance and obey Your leading. 
Amen.