Pastor John D Jakes

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Sometimes we forget how much of struggle Christmas was for the first people who experienced it. I think of the struggle of Mary and Joseph as they made their way to Bethlehem. I think of the struggles of everyone who was visited by an angel. At each encounter, the angel had to say, “Do not be afraid.” I think of the struggle of Joseph who was told that Mary’s pregnancy was supernatural rather than immoral. What tests of faith all these folks went through.

Wow – isn’t that the way it is with God? When He work,s our preconceived notions of what He does and doesn’t do create crisis after crisis in our faith. It doesn’t even matter if it is good things or bad. If God shows up in our life in an unexpected way, our knees start knockin’.

So, if you are thinking today that you are not much of a person because you are scared in the midst of your life – take heart! You are just like all the people we read about in the first Christmas. Do you need some words of encouragement? So did they. Do you need a helping hand? So did they. Are you amazed at what God is doing? So were they.

What is my encouragement to you? Do what Mary did: ponder all the things God is doing in your heart. Ponder deeply. Live in wonder. And don’t get too down on yourself when your encounter with God creates a crisis of faith. God can handle it!

Something to think about,

Pastor John
(first published in December of 2010)