Got Jesus?

"And he (Joseph) arose and took the Child (Jesus) and His mother by night, and departed for Egypt...And he (Joseph) arose and took the Child (Jesus) and and His mother, and came into the land of Israel." Matthew 2:14 & 21

"How often have you come to God with your requests and gone away thinking, 'I've really received what I wanted this time!' And yet you go away with nothing, while all the time God has stood with His hands outstretched not only to take you but also for you to take Him." (My Utmost for His Highest, October 8)

Each time Joseph left to follow God's call he took Jesus with him. Can I say the same for myself? When He has called, I have obeyed and "followed" Him, but did I actually "take/bring" Him with me? Or did I follow with my own ideas and/or agenda? I am afraid to admit that it is most likely the second, not the first.

Imagine how hard it was for Joseph to take Jesus with him. It could not have been easy to travel with a pregnant woman, nor with a young child. But the trips would have had not point or purpose without Jesus. I mean, why go to Egypt if you leave Jesus behind? Wasn't God's whole purpose in sending them to Egypt meant to protect Jesus? Without HIM, Joseph would have just been on another trip. When times got tough he might have constantly asked, 'Why did I come here,' or 'what am I doing here,' and 'what am I suppose to be doing here?' BUT, because he took Jesus with him, his 'purpose' was always there. Each time Joseph was faced with a challenge he could look at Jesus and be reminded of God's purpose.

Did I bring Jesus to Japan with me? Why come to Japan if I leave Him behind? If that is the case, then I am just on another sight-seeing trip. NO!!!! God not only wants to take me places, but He wants me to need Him, and to take Him with me as I follow Him wherever He leads.