If I think too hard about life I get bogged down in the “what ifs” and “hows.” My mind can’t handle going too much past tomorrow because the unknown begins to throw me into a tail-spin. Yet life is good. Why would I want to go beyond this moment in worry of tomorrow? I serve a God of miracles. The God who turns nothing into something amazing.
We can’t comprehend miracles. We just have to take them as they come and say “thanks!”
As Mary of Nazareth stood (or knelt) before Gabriel her mind was swimming with questions. Gabriel had told her that she would have a son. Good Jewish girl, engaged but not fully married Mary was going to have a baby. I can see her hand inching up to signal her question in a timid voice.
“Excuse me….mmm…how can this happen? The timing is all wrong. I can’t have a baby, well…not yet!”
Oh how I’ve been there. (Questioning God’s ways and abilities.)
I’ve stood with Mary at the feet of Gabriel wondering how God was going to do what He was calling me to do, and I’ve stood with her at the foot of the cross wondering if I misunderstood what He had told me.
But miracles can’t always be seen with human eyes. Sometimes they happen in an overshadowing Holy Spirit moment. And sometimes their appearance is not so obvious because the miracle is often hidden in the pain. Like death on a cross. No miracle ever came wrapped up in such horror. Yet it was there.
It would be nice if we had a break of life’s struggles to celebrate the birth of Christ, but it doesn’t work that way. As we put up our trees and favorite Christmas decorations, people around us face earth shattering news. Death, surgery, cancer, the first holiday without a loved one. Yet in the middle of life’s circumstances the miracle still happens.
The miracle of hope. The miracle of peace. The miracle of promise.
Keeping my eyes on the miracle.
Grace and peace,
andy
‘How can this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:34-35)
Questions to ponder: What are you questioning God about today? What incomprehensible thing in your life needs a miracle? Do you trust Him? List His track record.
