GOD’S WAY IS ALWAYS BETTER
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
Luke 2:1-7 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
That first Christmas morning did not come with great fanfare. I don’t believe Mary and Joseph were aware shepherds were receiving the birth announcement by angels. I don’t think they knew that Magi from the east were traveling towards them to see the baby.
I imagine that Mary and Joseph felt alone. Stuck in a barn for the birth of their first child. I’m sure this is not how Mary imagined the birth after the angel announced she would give birth to the Son of God.
Following God’s will for our lives doesn’t always mean everything will make sense. There will be moments of frustration, confusion, disappointment, and even anger. Pain will be a part of the journey. Learning to be flexible on the journey will be crucial.
Since God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, we often find ourselves in unexpected places and experiences. We can wonder if we missed God or perhaps some sin in our lives corrupted God’s plan.
But faith tells us God is working even when we don’t see Him work the way we think He should. I’ve usually had a plan of how I think God should work. Rarely does it go the way I thought for sure it would go.
But in the end God’s way is always better. In the process it may not seem better. But by faith if we are patient and faithful we will see that His ways are always better. Rarely do they appear better in the short term—that’s why we must follow by faith.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to follow Your will and ways even when I don’t understand. Help me to follow even when I am hurting.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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