Belief in God's promises is vital to our spiritual growth. David was told that God had no need for a house - he was not to build a temple. But God promised that one of David's descendants would always sit on the throne of Israel and that his name would not be forgotten. God promised Abraham that if he left everything and followed the call, God would grant him many descendants and make him a great nation. Abraham believed and trusted God, and God counted this as righteousness.

Joseph was also called upon to trust in God. He was upset because Mary was with child, but the angels in the dream reassured him that this was from God and was part of the divine plan. The Saviour to be born was the long-promised Messiah, the hope of many men and women through the centuries. Joseph trusted God and cared for the Holy Family.

Great things are possible when we trust in God and have faith; very little is possible when we are filled with doubt and fear. Abraham and Joseph are our teachers in faithful living.