In the first two chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, we are told of three different times when an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph.  In each case, he was given a direct instruction from God — and in each case his response was the same.  He immediately obeyed!

Matthew 1:18-25

“Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…”

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus…”

Matthew 2:13-15

“Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.”

Matthew 2:19-23

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel.”

How well do we follow God’s guidance when …

We don’t fully understand why God wants us to do it?

It’s difficult or inconvenient for us?

It’s unpopular with those around us?