Devotion 12/29, Come and See What God has Done

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph 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.
Luke 2:1, 4-5

Mary was near to giving birth to Jesus at this time so this would not have been an easy trip for her to make. When they arrived the town was extremely crowded with people there for the census. I am sure the scene was not a pretty one. It would have been dusty, noisy, people constantly bumping into each other, not a good time or place to bring a baby into the world. But as usual God’s plan was different, and His plan is always perfect!

I love how God does things. Caesar Augustus had no clue that he had any part whatsoever in fulfilling divine prophecy, he was just acting arrogant and prideful. But as it says in Proverbs 21:1…“The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”
There are lessons here for us today. God can use arrogant people in our lives to fulfill His plan for us. So while they may mean us harm, God can turn it around and bless us! Nothing touches us that doesn’t first come through His hand.
We may have journeys to make in this life that are difficult and just plain uncomfortable, but God has a purpose for everything He takes His children through in life. And He will give us the strength and endurance to complete whatever He has called us to do. He certainly gave Mary the endurance to make her journey to Bethlehem.

Isn’t it amazing at how many inconveniences in our lives the Lord uses to accomplish his will in us? Can you think of a worse time to go on a cross-country trip considering their modes of travel? Yet God turned it into the moment in which the angels found their tune and Satan met his match.

Father, I thank you that behind history, and especially behind the part of history where I live, your hand is always working for my redemption and your glory. Give me faith to ride out the difficult times, knowing that you will use those difficulties to be the incubator of your next great work in me. In the name of Jesus, the Joy of angels, I pray. Amen.

Come and see what God has done for us. In this crazy fast paced world it amazes me that people are not standing in line to get into a church that teaches God’s Word, to see what Christ’s coming has done for them. We are celebrating “God With Us” and everyone’s attention is focused on something else. Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit moves the souls of many that are lost to seek you. That they may learn of your boundless love, and when they commit their lives to Christ, their reward is salvation. I thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ and pray that we live your message that others might see you in us and come to seek you. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.