Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
Reading in Matthew, we have the most wonderful example of Joseph concerning doing the work of God.
Joseph wasn't trying to do anything except what he thought was right in the sight of God.
Mt. 1 ... Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Joseph had a problem. Mary was pregnant. Joseph was a just man so he decided to put Mary away privately. But after making this decision, the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream giving Joseph information and instruction. So Joseph did that which he was told to do in the matter at hand.
This is such a simple and perfect example of following God. We just try to do what we believe to be right and if there is another way we are to go, God will show us. It is a total state of faith in God, not in ourselves, knowing that God will show us if there is another way we are to go.
Other examples:
Mt. 2 ... Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
We can see the wise men were likely going to return and inform Herod concerning finding the baby Jesus. God sent a dream to cause them to go another direction so they did not return and tell Herod.
Another example:
Mt. 2 ... And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
There is such a beautiful simplicity here. It is unlikely Joseph knew there was any danger until the angel of the Lord spoke to him in that dream. Then Joseph simply did what he was told to do. And now recognizing the danger because of the word spoken to him in the dream, Joseph took the mother and child "by night" ... in secret, fleeing as he was told to do. For Herod was going to try to destroy the child. Joseph paid close attention to each word spoken to him by the angel of the Lord.
We, who are of God, rest in God daily. We keep a good heart. We want to please God. But we are at rest. We don't have to try to do something. It is a state of rest. Certainly we read the Bible and we reinforce our heart concerning the way of God. We stay with HIS way, resisting alternate ways. It is simple.
Another example:
Mt. 2 ... But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. 21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
When I read these examples, I felt such a strong rest in God and rest in HIS power ... and was assured again if God wants me to go another direction, HE will show me to do this one way or another. The peace is in the assurance that God will lead me at all times in HIS will.