Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I'm Pastor Loren Christensen, and today, we're continuing our series on "God in the Midst of Our Mess." In our last episode, we talked about the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. Today, let's journey with Mary and Joseph as they travel to Bethlehem, a journey filled with faith and trust in God's plan.
Imagine the scene: Mary and Joseph traveling about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. That's roughly the distance between here and Omaha, but without the convenience of modern transportation. They had rough terrain, dusty roads, and no modern comforts. Mary was heavily pregnant, riding on a donkey, feeling every bump along the way. They must have been exhausted, yet they trusted God’s plan.
In Luke 2:4-5, we read:
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child.
Sometimes life feels like that journey, doesn’t it? It’s long. It’s tiring. And we wonder if we’ll ever make it. We face our own rough terrains and dusty roads—whether it’s through personal struggles, health issues, financial difficulties, or emotional burdens. But just as God was with Mary and Joseph every step of their journey, He is with us. He walks beside us through every trial, every hardship, and every uncertainty.
I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed by the challenges in my life. It seemed like everything was falling apart, and I didn’t know how to make things right. But in the midst of that chaos, I felt God’s presence in a powerful way. He didn’t wait for me to have everything figured out. He met me right where I was, in the middle of my mess, and brought peace to my heart.
Just as Mary and Joseph trusted God’s plan despite their difficult journey, we too can trust that God is with us in our own journeys. He doesn’t promise that the road will be easy or free from obstacles. But He does promise to never leave us or forsake us. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we are reminded:
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Maybe you’re facing a tough journey right now. Maybe you feel like you’re walking through rough terrain with no end in sight. Remember that God is with you every step of the way. He walks beside you through every trial and hardship.
As we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, let’s remember that God is with us on our journeys too. He doesn’t promise an easy road, but He does promise His presence and guidance. Let’s trust in His plan and find comfort in knowing that we are never alone.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I hope you’ll tune in next time as we continue to explore how God is present in the midst of our mess. Until then, may you experience His peace and presence in your life.
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