When we have a great story to tell, we like to start with a grand build up.  We excitedly preface the story by saying things like, “this is incredible,” (the word incredible literally means, “not credible”) or, “you’re never going to believe this.”  Matthew shares an incredible, unbelievable story and he does so with no buildup!  He just states it in a matter-of-fact, nonchalant manner. With no grand buildup, he just dives right in and says, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)

In spite of the words, “before they came together, she was found to be pregnant,” Matthew seemed to think the story was entirely believable and credible.  How could it be that Matthew thought that such an incredible story was so credible?  I think he gives the answer to that question just a verses later (v. 22).  He reports that, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet.” 

For Matthew, if God said it, it wasn’t unbelievable! For Matthew, since God said it, it would have been unbelievable if it had not happened!   That’s why Matthew was able to say, “before they came together, she was found to be pregnant,” without thinking it incredible (not credible).

Let’s be like Matthew and not be surprised when God’s word comes to pass in our own lives!