They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
When I was in college a minister prophesied to me and my family. Placing his hand on me he said, “I see a crooked road.” Then another minister said, “I see an altar. You must bind yourself to the horns of the altar, for it is on the other side of the altar, the other side of the cross that you will find life and peace.” I am thinking, “Wow God! This is what you have for me, a crooked road and sacrifice. Why not just say Africa. That would make more sense.”
My wife and I began to pray and ask God where He wanted us to go from college in New York. We heard two words, “Go home.” I had to ask myself where home was. I grew up moving every few years, never living in one place long enough to have roots. For me, home was where my family was. So we decided to move to Wilmington, North Carolina where my parents were living at the time.
Since we have been in Wilmington I have lived in two places, ministered in four Churches and traveled many places. I have been taken back to that prophecy many times over the years asking God “What’s next?” I’ve often thought, “God, why don’t you tell me everything? Why can’t I see all of your plan?”
As I read the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, I am struck by how God gave them little pieces at a time. Although it didn’t always make sense, it was always what they needed in the moment. Why didn’t God show them the whole thing? Why didn’t he answer all their questions? If God had given them the whole picture, their hearts would not have been able to bear it. God gave them what they needed in the moment to carry their faith along the journey to their destination, their destiny. If we knew everything about our future, would we need faith?
Would you want to know all the details of your future or take one day at a time, living by faith in a God worthy of your trust, waking up each day to a new adventure saying, “Today God I trust you. I am yours and I trust your plan for my life.”
Take a moment today to think of all the little twists and turns in Mary and Joseph’s adventure that brought them to that manger in Bethlehem. Not all of it was easy, but it was all necessary. Is your life like theirs? Give thanks for God’s plan for your life and the little things He shows you. Today have faith as you face the next part of your journey. It may only look like a crooked road with twists and turns. You may only see to the bend in the road; but be assured it will lead you to your destiny. As with Mary and Joseph, the Father is with you every step of the way. “Take heart, the Lord thy God is with you.”
Suggested Longer Reading: Matthew 2:1-15
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