As a newborn, Katheryn Deprill was abandoned in a Burger King restaurant. Katheryn’s mother, just 17, hid the pregnancy and gave birth in her bedroom. After kissing her infant daughter on the forehead, she left the baby where she was sure to be found. Twenty-seven years later, Katheryn Deprill met her birth mother and thanked her for giving her life.

Mary also faced difficult circumstances when she became pregnant. Unwed, but engaged, an angel appeared to her and said, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name Him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). When Mary asked how this could be possible, the angel replied, “The power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy” (Luke 1:35). Mary must have seen the complications this would create for her life. It would be impossible to explain the miracle to her fiancé, Joseph. He would suspect infidelity and probably call off the marriage. What then? Still she accepted her role in God’s plan (Luke 1:38).

Understandably, Joseph decided to break off the engagement quietly when he learned that Mary was pregnant (Matthew 1:19). He reconsidered, though, when an angel confirmed that Mary had miraculously conceived. Joseph “did as the . . . Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife” (Matthew 1:24).

Like Joseph and Mary, we may find it hard to do the right thing in certain high-stakes situations. The God-honoring path may mean personal pain, financial sacrifice, or loneliness. In moments of decision when the easy way out entices us, it’s important to remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37 ESV). He helps us honor Him with our life choices, and “[he] watches over those who fear him” (Psalm 33:18).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Hebrews 10:19-39