(from my Dad)
VERSE:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. … 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. — Luke 2:1 and 4-5
THOUGHT:
Isn’t it amazing at how many of the inconveniences in our lives are used by the Lord to accomplish His will in us. Can you think of a worse time to have to go on a cross-country trip with their modes of travel than what Joseph and Mary faced. Difficult enough to travel in a car, but they went via walking and donkey. Then the trouble to find a room to rent and because of their social status the barn became their room for the night! Yet God turned it into the moment in which the angels found their tune, the Magi found their star and Satan met his match. How often God does that for us, invisible and visible to bring us closer to Him and show forth His glory and power in our lives!
PRAYER:
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 them to be the incubator of Your next great work in and through me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
