Hi how are you all? Sorry I am late with this but am tired as have been spending every day with my mum as she is at the end of her life. It is so sad but all she has talked about are her memories. Our family has been asking her lots of questions and so the time together has been mostly good. It is not worldly possessions that matter at the end but family and memories.
Let’s get back to our story. Joseph and Mary are now married and Mary is pregnant with Jesus (think about that for a minute – are you and I pregnant with Jesus – are we that close?) All seems to be going well until an announcement is made. Every family must go back to the husbands home town to be registered in a census.
Mary becomes frantic. But Joseph, that is at the same time that Jesus is due. Don’t worry, says Joseph, we will take it slow. But where are we going to stay? Don’t worry God will provide a place.
So they packed for the journey and set off. It was slow going as the terrain was rough and Mary was tired. Everyone was passing them on the way and pretty soon all they could see was dust. Nobody was behind them- all were far ahead.
They arrived in the town of Bethlehem after night had already fallen. I hope we find a place to stay, Mary thought.
They went to one house after another and they were all full. Nobody had room in their house for them or Jesus.
Finally someone offered them a barn. At least it was dry and they could spread out their blankets and rest. The story will continue next week.
But let’s look at this story in light of our own journey through life. Sometimes announcements take us by surprise. For example, a new baby on the way, a sickness, a job loss, a job relocation, a spouse, a new church etc. Sometimes these announcements are good and we are excited and happy for the journey ahead but sometimes they aren’t.
God promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us and that He only has good plans for our lives and the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Every journey we take is a faith journey that allows our faith to be built up and out trust in God and His Word to be strengthened.
The journey may seem rough and tough at times. But even in Joshua when the Israelites were taking the promised land it wasn’t easy. God didn’t give it to them on a silver platter but He promised to be with them.
So no matter where you are on your journey today, remember God is with you. He will never let you down if you keep following Him. You can do it. I know you can.
Have a blessed week and keep living the life God intended for you.
Bless you
Karen
Living the life God intended 