Trusting As We Travel...

God has great purpose for our lives. Even in the midst of confusion and despair, He leads us. Faith allows us to follow and trust in the One who guides our every step, even when we cannot imagine where He will choose for us to arrive.

I consider the young mother who faithfully trusted God had purpose for her life. She must have been frightened and weary, as she tried to comprehend why God would chose her to carry His Son. She must have felt worried and confused. But, God allowed Mary to embrace a heart of peace as He prepared her for what was to come.

God prepares us for what is to come. Often we don’t understand His will for our lives. We become impatient and worried, as we try to comprehend where He is leading. Perhaps these are needed moments of realization. We begin to understand we are not equipped to handle life’s circumstances on our own.

It would have been easy for Mary to reject the will of God, but she was faithful to remember He was in control. She traveled the long road to Bethlehem, trusting the One who had sent her. God wants us to faithfully trust we will be led by His greatness . He speaks to our weary hearts of wonder and moves us toward His will. Only God can bring perfect peace to the hearts of those who understand they don’t travel alone.

A friend recently posted a favorite scripture which has a message of hope. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) We don’t have to understand how God will allow us to move ahead, we simply must trust He will guide us when the timing is right, and we are prepared to be led.

Mary stepped in faith. She accepted God’s will, knowing His plan would carry her. She allowed God to bring peace to her heart. Jesus came to bring hope to a hurting world of sin. Born in a dirty stable with the animals, the King of Kings humbly came forth from the faithful woman who totally trusted in God’s will for her life.

As the world continues to fill us with wonder and concern, God longs for us to acknowledge He is near, and trust He will handle life's circumstances. He loves us. He patiently prepares us to faithfully walk with Him, even when the journey seems long and we don’t know where we will arrive. God can guide us to the place where we begin to understand He is in control. As we surrender to Him, He can open our hearts wide enough to discover His perfect peace, and find content as we are led.

While Mary carried the Christ Child, she waited through many months of wonder to receive God’s gift to the world. We too must often wait. But as we do, we must not forget God is in control of our days. The Bible says, “ Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:25 NIV ) Our hope comes from the Lord! 

I pray this passage will speak to your heart, and remind you God is near. He will lead us on the path to His will, and remind us the journey is easier, when we do not have to walk alone.

God loves YOU,

Nan