Where was God in Joseph’s darkest hour? Right where He needed to be – in the midst of it – fulfilling His marvelous plan for man’s salvation. In Joseph’s darkest moments, God was nearer to him than ever before.
Tag Archives: christmas
Weighed down
God is anything but indifferent, fickle, callous, or cruel. He’s not heartless, nor does He look the other way. On the contrary, God is a loving heavenly Father. He cares so much He sent His beloved Son to bear the punishment we deserve. And one day, He will bring justice to our broken world.
Son of the Most High
Jesus’ birth was not just some random act. Long before the world was made, God planned to send His Son. The intricate weaving of history, from God’s prophecy in Genesis 3:15 to the cross itself, are part of God’s wonderful plan. His promise to raise up One whose kingdom would never end – and its fulfillment – offers us hope and confidence that The One who gave this promise will bring to fruition the rest of His wonderful promises both now and forever.
Say what?
God countered Zechariah’s doubt by working a jaw-dropping miracle; He turned their barrenness into blessing. The woman who was ‘too old’ became a mother. Those empty arms would be empty no more. For she would bear a son. Gloom would be transformed into gladness.
Grapevines and snowflakes
As I snipped here and cut there, I was reminded of God’s work in my life. Sometimes God has to bend my will according to His purpose. Though most times it isn’t a pleasant process, I realize He has a design and a purpose for my future. I need to yield to His hand, assured that His plans are for good and not for evil and that the finished product will be stunning.
But God…
But God…. Two pivotal words that change everything. They bring light into our darkest nights. They offer hope to those who grieve. They provide strength to the suffering who aren’t guaranteed another tomorrow. They remind us God can redeem our failures. They transform the impossible into the possible.
Prince of Peace
Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is not some sentiment we can dredge up from within. Peace is not a location we can flee to when life gets bumpy. Peace is a person; Jesus Christ Himself. Paul states in Ephesians 2:14, “He (Jesus) Himself is our Peace.”
Everlasting Father
Jesus reflected the Father, revealing to humanity a God who loves deeply and personally. He is there for us whether things are going smoothly or the road grows rough. He is our Abba, our daddy, the One we can run to anytime, anywhere. Not just for today. Not even for a lifetime – but forever.
Mighty God
Christmas is the visible manifestation of God’s unconditional love. The Creator comes to dwell among the created; Love Himself, willing to suffer rejection for the sake of our souls. Might confined to a manger. Creator curtailed to the form of a child. The paradox of grace as the Almighty indwells the womb He created and walks the earth He brought into being.
Wonderful Counselor
In Christ, we have a Wonderful Counselor. Not just a source of wisdom but Wisdom Himself. Not just someone who will listen and offer wisdom, but a God who came down from heaven to live among us, walk alongside us, carry our burdens, and stay with us through every struggle and hardship