“and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23b
(For Christine & Albert- with so much love)
I sat in a park this week, clutching something so fiercely the only thing that could help was a gen-u-wine come-to-Jesus moment. I could go into all the sadness in my story (I’m sure it’s not that different than yours at this time of year) but as the depths of my heart surfaced I knew what was needed most was for God to move. Part of my tight-fisted hold was simply this: I was worried sick. Added to being worried sick was the fact that I was fighting God for control. (Spoiler alert: we are NEVER in control. Control is an illusion, only God is in control lovies!) The double-whammie of the whole thing was this: I was worried things would not work out the way I wanted them to, and I was frustrated that I wasn’t in control. Control and worry are a pretty destructive duo. I kept romanticizing how I wanted resolution….but God in his kindness, was showing me the invitation for him to work is more open when I release all things to him.
So I did.
Ish.
I imagined one by one my fingers being picked off of what I was holding before the throne and in the end, laying the entire issue and all that it entailed at the feet of Jesus. (Second spoiler altert: Jesus KNOWS what he is doing)
Three things happened: I chose to repent of worry & control, I chose to worship, and I chose to walk away. Jesus reminded me if anything was going to happen or change it was going to be because he, not me, was at work.
The entire situation showed me this: the miracle wasn’t in an immediate answer, but rather the revolution of peace that took over my heart when I put my faith to work, trusting him to move.
At this time of year- there is an overabundance of things vying for our attention: family, finances, boisterous activities and festive events. Don’t let the busy pull you away from Jesus- there is a miracle waiting for you in the peace of his presence.
Humble side note: there are those of us waiting on a hail-mary, ride-or-die even if it’s in the eleventh hour miracle. Some of us have experienced a recent devastating diagnosis, lost their homes, or are in the thick of grief or unimaginable sorrow…..the Prince of Peace is for you too. I would never want to sound uncaring or trite about your pain. Jesus doesn’t want to put bandaids on bleeding hearts. But I know that whatever you face, his arms long to hold you. And friend, I can testify that those everlasting arms will hold you fast. Go. To. Jesus. God with us IS the gift we all need this holiday season.
Whatever miracle you are asking for, longing for, or waiting for I know this: Emmanuel has come to bring us the answer before we could even formulate the question. The most incredible gift we will ever receive has already come: salvation and relationship with Jesus will hold us through any season and trial until the miracle we long for comes to pass in ways we do, or don’t expect.
May we all be found looking and longing for the miracle of God with us.
Merry Christmas Friends!
So much love,
Joy