Jewels From My Journey…

Who defines you?

I’m sure you know the story well. We’ve heard it often over the years especially during the Christmas season. However, while studying the birth of Jesus this year, I realized that I missed a powerful lesson along the way. Perhaps I am alone in my oversight but just in case, I have been led to share my lesson with you:

Over 2,000 years ago, Mary, a pregnant teen virgin was in the town of Bethlehem with Joseph, the man to whom she was espoused, to pay taxes. While there, she went into labor and gave birth to a son. Her baby boy was born in a barn because there was no room for them at the inn. His first bed, a manger, was a container from which cattle were fed. His first outfit was swaddling made of cloth. He wasn’t born with much but his circumstances did not define Him.

This baby, born in the lowliest of conditions; is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  He’s the baby who came to die for our sins so that we might be saved and reconciled with God.  He’s the baby who knew before He came to Earth that people would hate on Him, disregard Him, and one day crucify Him on the cross, but He came anyway.  He’s the baby who taught us that He is the only way to everlasting life. He is the one who laid the groundwork for how we, as God’s children, are to live. He is the one who taught us how we are to treat one another. Yes, He is that baby and though his circumstances were less than ideal, they did not prevent His greatness!  

Oftentimes we allow our circumstances to define how we view ourselves. When faced with a trial or setback we become discouraged and lose focus. We allow our circumstances to put a halt to our path to greatness when instead; we need to focus on the birth of Jesus as inspiration that God specializes in bringing greatness out of lowly places!

Nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:37). He uses all things together for our good (Rom 8:28) so even when things look hopeless, they are a part of our greatness. His word says “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (John 4:4 KJV).

So, be encouraged and know that your low place is the foundation for the greatness that is on the way! Continue to work in your purpose and serve our almighty Lord and Savior. Decide today that you will not give up because things seem impossible. Decide today that you will not to give up because you are tired. Decide today that you will not give up because you are hurting. Decide today that because God is, you have the victory!