Luke 2:1–7 (NIV84) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
When I said yes to God, I must admit that I thought the rest of my life would be hunky dunky (to quote a very old Christmas movie. Can you tell me which one?) Everything just going well and God just paving the way so that it all came easy. Now, you can imagine my surprise that it has not been the story.
I wonder if Mary had some of those same thoughts?
“I said yes to God, I am doing something of great significance, that I didn’t ask to do, so why is it so hard? Isn’t God in this?”
“Why can’t we stay here in Nazareth and have the baby, why does it have to be so complicated?”
“Why can’t we find a room? If I am having God’s Son then don’t you think He would have taken care of the details?”
“Being obedient to God should not be this hard! This could not be going according to God’s plan. Someone screwed up!”
Galatians 4:4 (MSG) But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law.
When the time arrived – in other words, God had planned all of these goings on. The difficulty was all part of His plan! And just so you know, He did not spare His Son the difficulties either.
ENJOYING THE JOURNEY
Is there anything in your life this time of year (or this year for that matter) that makes you say, “It is not supposed to be this way!” If so, is it because of your schedule and priorities or is it beyond your control?
Proverbs 3:5–6 (The Message) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Is there anything in your life that doesn’t make sense, yet you are willing to trust the Lord and be obedient to His calling?
Isaiah 46:9–11 (NLT) Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish… I have said what I would do, and I will do it.
What comfort can this verse give you.
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