"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 2:4-5

 December 19

"So Joseph went from Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a Judean city called Bethlehem. Joseph, a descendant of King David, went to Bethlehem because David had been born there. Joseph went there to register with Mary. She had been promised to him in marriage and was pregnant." -Luke 2:4-5 (GW)

​It is hard to imagine a long journey through the mountains of Judea from Nazereth to Bethlehem when pregnant and riding on a donkey! Yet this would have been the only way Mary could have arrived there after the announcement of the mandatory tax registration by Emperor Caesar Augustus. Did Joseph and Mary resent this decree? Even if they did, they had no choice. They knew the Roman law had to be obeyed. The only possible way forward was to trust God to protect and provide for them. Sometimes we might think to ourselves, "I'm being obedient, so why aren't things going better?" When facing discomfort or inconvenience, we may even think we might have misread God's will or that God made a mistake. But this quiet holy couple can inspire us this December as they journey toward Bethlehem in fulfillment of an obscure Old Testament prophecy proclaim-ing: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Mth. 2:6) God didn't remove their bumpy road, but strengthened them. God didn't provide luxurious inns for Mary, but brought his Son into the world in humble surroundings.

​When we do God's will, we aren't guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience, has meaning and purpose in God's plan. If you are facing hardships and unwanted bumpy roads this December, remember God can and will guide you and provide all you need if you trust in him and allow his perfect plan to be fulfilled in your life. Like Joseph and Mary, you have the choice of living each day by faith or fear. In times of testing, look to God and trust that God is in charge. He will never abandon you or forsake you!

​Prayer: Lord, Show me your way on my bumpy roads. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: What Satan wants for evil God uses for good.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)