Names of God: Through Thanksgiving & ChristmasSample

God’s prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem would to come to pass through submission and trust in the most difficult of circumstances. A pregnant virgin Mary risked being stoned for fornication. Joseph risked the slander and stigma of illegitimacy. Jesus wrapped in flesh, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, risked and surrendered His very life to be with us.  What appears on the surface to be the worst circumstance possible turns out to be God’s magnificent plan of redemption to unite with His people. But His plan required the submission of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Submission to God’s will always involves risk. God has not called believers to live comfortable, convenient, and prosperous lives. He has called believers to live our lives surrendered to Him. A life fully surrendered to God will be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but we don’t have to endure alone. Because of Jesus’ advent, death, and resurrection, God is forever with those who have surrendered their lives to Him. 

When you find yourself in an unlikely circumstance or on an uncomfortable and inconvenient journey, will you remember that God remains with you and He is in control? Will you remember that His plan for you will not be thwarted?  Will you accept and persevere through the trial knowing that God's plan is not always the easy comfortable way? Will you choose to surrender and journey in humble obedience in order to remain in the will of God? 

Father God, You are the Most High Almighty God who with Your Words created the heavens, the planets and all creation upon it. Yet, Your intense desire was to have intimate relationship with Your prized creation. In the most beautiful display of humility, You wrapped Yourself in sinful flesh, lowered Yourself into this sinful world to accomplish Your plan of saving sinful people. Help me, Lord, to model Your example of humility and to walk in the path that You have set before me with obedience and steadfastness. Lord, I pray for Your strength and Your courage to stay on task with Your plans for my life no matter how uncomfortable, incomprehensible, or inconvenient. Lord, remind me that through it all, I am never alone. You are my Emmanuel - always with me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.