Read: Luke 2:4-7
If we’re joining God on His mission, He should pave the way before us, right? He parted the Red Sea so His people could escape Pharaoh. He made the Angel of Death bypass Hebrew homes dabbed with lamb’s blood so Jewish babies would be safe.
Did Mary question the timing for the Census? It fell in her ninth month of pregnancy when walking, sitting, even moving quickly can be awkward. How about rocking on an ambling donkey for miles on end? No wonder she went into labor when they arrived in Bethlehem!
Then God provided a place for the birth of His Son—a stable. And there, a man whose only experience with birthing was perhaps with animals (if that), and a young virgin faced the challenge of delivering a baby. Feeling overwhelmed may be an understatement.
Dr. Luke doesn’t say. Nor does he need to, because Mary and Joseph were never in danger. God held them firmly in His hands and by faith, they moved forward, step by step. Unlike Mary and Joseph, do we question God when things go off track? Do we wonder if we should change directions when we meet roadblocks? Do we blame God when we encounter pain and suffering?
God has the long view. Just as He directed events surrounding the birth of Jesus, He will weave every thread of His grand design into His plans for each of us. It helps to remind ourselves that Mary and Joseph walked in faith, and everything worked out perfectly.
Lord, help us remember that what looks like a mess to us may be Your recipe for a perfect outcome. Help us replace our complaints and fears with prayers of trust and thanksgiving.
