Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
Matthew 2:16 (ESV)
Father God, I thank You today for the realization that You are always a step ahead of the enemy. Even though Herod had all of Israel’s resources at his disposal, and knew where my Savior would be born, he was unable to harm the child. You guided them to Egypt for a season to weather the storm before he could act.
I can only imagine what was going through Joseph and Mary’s mind as they had to leave their native land to go to a foreign place, one that had a history of mistreating their people. They were going someplace where they did not know folks and may have themselves been mistreated while there. It must have been hard. But they did it. And You delivered.
On this day following the celebration of my beloved Jesus’ birth, the Holy Spirit is reminding me that sometimes You take me to what appears to be dark places, times in my life where it is difficult to handle what is going on, challenging seasons where my head and heart ask that if You are the God of the universe why do You let this happen? Yet, this episode in my Savior’s early, vulnerable life reminds me that it is always for my good, that You have the bigger perspective in mind, and that You are a step ahead of not only the enemy but even me. Even as Christ was helpless at that time, so too I am helpless depending upon Your divine mercy to bring me through. My call is but to trust and obey. Hard for certain; necessary for sure.
Thank You for the gift of hindsight and the grace of foresight. By looking back I can see how You have, through Your divine mercy, steered me clear of obstacles, challenges, snares, and spiritual potholes. Though it was difficult for a season, in the end I can see, through divine reflection, how You have produced a harvest of peace and righteousness in my life (Hebrews 12:11). By listening to You, seeing Your fingerprints all around me, I can catch glimmers of what You are doing in my midst, sensing the new things that You are manifesting as Your plan slowly unfolds (Isaiah 43:19), seeing it more and more clearly (Proverbs 4:18). This fuels my hope and trust in You, enabling me to walk where my flesh fears treading, knowing that it is all for reason. Thank You.
So today, lead me and I shall follow. As I walk towards a new year, I purpose in my spirit that it will be a year where I walk more by faith than I did this year. It is my heart’s deepest desire to be more intentional about my journey with You, listening better than I have in the past, trusting more faithfully than I have, walking more obediently. Give me a divine “shake” when I find myself doubting. Remind me of Your unwavering love and commitment. I know that You have prepared me for such a time as this, and that You are going before me wherever You lead me. With You, I can handle any season! Thank You for loving me. I see it everywhere. Amen.