The 40-Day Challenge : Day 22
- 19
- Feb
- 2013
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7)
A census took place in the days of Mary and Joseph, and despite being pregnant, Mary was not treated differently.
One thing draws my attention: if you visit Israel, you will see that there are many mountains and cliffs, and in those days there was no public transport.
Now, imagine Mary, heavily pregnant, going to Bethlehem to be registered… Imagine yourself, how would you feel?
I think I’d be complaining… looking at the difficulties!
But Mary did not do so.
In those days, only men were registered, but that was not an excuse for Mary to leave Joseph’s side, even though she was about to give birth.
When they arrived at the city, they did not find a place to lodge…
The woman was heavily pregnant and looking for a place to spend the night, but everywhere she went, the place was full; nobody offered Mary and Joseph a room in their houses.
The same happens today. Many people are so busy that there’s no space for God in their lives.
Mary and Joseph had to pay a high price for ‘carrying’ the Lord Jesus.
If we examine our reactions when faced with the unexpected, we will certainly find a lot of complaints and grumbling: “Why now? I’m pregnant!”
Mary was not treated differently from the others because of her situation. Everything had to go as planned.
But Mary’s willingness to obey became evident the moment she said to the angel: “Here I am.” And now, she was saying it with her actions.
When a person complains, looks at the difficulties, this means that his or her ‘Here I am’ is nothing but empty words—pure emotion.
“…there was no room for them in the inn…”
There was no room for them, yet they found a way…
No matter the circumstances, there’s always a way!
God allowed this to happen to teach you and me that He works when we depend entirely on Him.
A person who lives by faith depends on God.
And so, when he or she faces adverse circumstances, they do not complain or grumble. When we allow God to work in our lives, we have peace. But those who do not live by faith are constantly worried, insecure, fearful, timid and uncertain about their future.
Maybe you ask, “How can I control my feelings? When I least expect it, I am complaining, saying negative words, etc.”
Dear friend, you are not different from the rest of humanity… We do make mistakes, but we have to be watchful.
Mistakes are inevitable, but we can discipline ourselves and be vigilant, alert. By doing this, you will allow God to fulfil His plan for you.
There’s a lesson to be learnt with every adverse circumstance. If we decide to do things our way or complain, it’s as if we were saying that we don’t want to depend on God.
What’s your faith? Do you depend on God when the unexpected happens, or do you immediately take the lead?
When your life in God’s hand, you trust! When faced with a difficult situation, you are not shaken or worried. On the contrary, you have peace.
AdA
27th January 2018 at 10:44
Very helpful words
I won’t complain
Thank you
Esther
17th July 2014 at 9:39
It is true that no matter what circumstances you are in, God will always guide you to overcome that. I must not forget that He is always beside me whenever i am facing a problem. I must trust Him and keep my faith based on His words. And for that, i know, that i can overcome any hindrance that is opposing me from praising our Lord Jesus.
Thank you for this message Mrs Viviane. God bless you and your family:)
Siphosethu Cpt
23rd June 2014 at 6:54
Thank you Mrs Vivi for the message
I will examine myself from now on and see if I was grumbling when faced with the unexpected, and I will show my full dependence on God. #Doing challenge 22#
Viola
28th March 2014 at 21:48
Truly if we don’t watch the things of this world can take up most of our time and we rob ourselves of spending time with our Lord Jesus and as a result we can collapse in our faith and when we open our eyes our relationship with God will be cold.
Zibuyile qhanga
5th September 2013 at 9:23
I thank you mam for this encouraging message,t’was my situation to grumble and complaining when the unexpected aproach but from now on because of these words i depend to my God.
Norma
31st August 2013 at 15:07
Just like Mary she found a way out of her situation it means there is away out for every problem or difficult.When the unexpected happens its not for me to ask why, or complain but to trust that God is leading the way. A person who lives by faith depend on God not on her or his feelings. When ever we put our trust in God we have peace within us. No matter how busy i am i have to leave space for God to work in our lives.