I’ve Been Thinking
“God Has A Plan For Us”
28th August 2010
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“About Blind Faith”
21st August 2010
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“You Can’t See God Yet Trust Him”
14th August 2010
5th December 2009 |
| Posted by John Gummer (john) on Dec 08 2009 |
Luke 2:6. While [Mary and Joseph] were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
(NRSV)
I remember vividly when Carolyne, my wife, was in labour with our first child. I recall not being certain at all about what was going on and if she was really in labour and much less certain of what was to come next. Even though I had the support of my family, mother, mother-in-law, doctors, and nurses, I was terrified that something would go wrong.
How much more terrified Mary must have been when she was in labour! She had an uncomfortable method of transportation, not a warm car or ambulance such as we are used to and expect today. She was going to a strange town, not to a town that she had known all her life. She was not sure where she would rest, instead of having a hospital room awaiting her. She was apart from her family, instead of having their support. But Mary was not alone in her effort; she had a husband – Joseph – who stood by her, also assurance from an angel, and her trust in God.
Though problems come when we accept God's call, our problems are rarely as terrifying as those that Mary faced. As her example shows us, God will deliver us from ourselves and our problems and will change our lives forever.
Thank God that Joseph was there as God’s man at this most crucial time in history.
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for your promise to deliver us. Stay close by us when we are terrified, and give us the assurance only you can provide. Amen.
Thought
God needs the Josephs of this world, rocks that God can rely on.
Focus
Families facing unexpected difficulties this Christmas
WRITTEN BY JOHN GUMMER FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE WEEKLY “UPDATE”
Last changed: Dec 08 2009 at 11:03 AM
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