Beyond the realm of understanding!

Psalm 5:8 notes, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies, make your way straight before me.”  We are celebrating our Savior’s birth this weekend and this verse is quite fitting if you think of the Christmas story.

Take a look at Mary.  She is about to have a baby and I am sure not real comfortable but couldn’t find a place to give birth.  Her Heavenly Father guided her and Joseph to a place where she could give birth to our Savior.  However, think about how Mary was led before those moments she was giving birth in a stable.  Mary had an angel appear before her and tell her she was going to give birth to a son and she should call Him Jesus.  What!  I’m sure Mary knew enough about the birds and the bees to know she couldn’t be pregnant.  Yet, she trusted the Lord was leading her and would protect her.  Mary followed the Lord’s guidance even though it didn’t fit the human knowledge of possibilities. 

Then take a look at the shepherds and wise men.  The Savior was born and it was quite evident because a bright star appeared in the sky.  They made their way to see their Savior and worship Him despite the dangers they could face.  Being led the whole way via this bright star and having protection from their enemies was another way God did things in an "unconventional" manner.  The Lord even led them to know King Herod was up to no good and they should not follow his orders. 

There was also Joseph to consider in all of this.  He also was willing to take the Lord’s lead.  He was going to marry a girl that was pregnant and not with his baby!  Not good!  Yet, the Lord assured Him it was okay.  Then, he had to worry about his wife and where she was going to have a baby.  The Lord provided again.  After Jesus was born, Joseph had to take his family and flee because Herod was out to kill Jesus.  Joseph was willing to listen to his Heavenly Father and do what He asked, even though like Mary it didn’t register within the human understanding. 

This brings me to us.  The Lord has promised to lead us.  He has promised to lead us on a straight path despite our enemies.  However, are we willing to take His lead?  Are we willing to listen to His words of guidance even if it is beyond the human knowledge of possibilities?  Our human side probably puts on the brakes and says no way!  This is just not the way things will be done.   Our Heavenly Father says in Psalm 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”  AND because His thoughts are not our thoughts He leads us and instructs us through life!  Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” 
  

It is Christmas and our Heavenly Father sent His only Son to earth for us.  It is beyond the realm of human understanding; yet we have a Savior that paid the ultimate price despite our ability to grasp His grace.  My prayer is that we are open to whatever it is that He places before us!  Just remember, Mary and Joseph were faced with the strangest of events and the Lord led them through and blessed them! 

Merry Christmas!

Cheryl