Christmas Promises FulfilledSample

It is amazing that even the geographical locations of Jesus’ early life were foretold. The two Scriptures for today show us this. Matthew, in his gospel, directly quotes the Old Testament prophet, Hosea. What is also seen here is the ‘detour’ that Jesus’ life takes when He is first born. The baby King has to escape certain death under Herod, which forces His parents to flee to Egypt. But God is certainly in control! God’s plans always come to fruition even if there are detours along the way! Psalm 37:23 comes to mind as I write this. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And He delights in his way.” Throughout our lifetime there are opportunities for our location to change, for the plans to take a detour. This kind of change can present with it all sorts of challenges and insecurities if we don’t understand that God is ordering our steps. 

We further see this in Jesus’ life. Bethlehem and Nazareth were locations that were prophesied regarding the Messiah and they did not always have a positive outlook. ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ (John 1:46) This makes me think of the limitations that people place upon themselves because where they have come from has not been a ‘big city’ or a popular location with a positive reputation. Again, God is not limited by location. What we may view as insignificant, God sees as the perfect environment for Him to defy the status quo and bring something incredible out of nothing.

I think of the place where God birthed Planetshakers. Not many people outside of Australia would view Adelaide as the most prominent place to birth a revival – a place where worship that would influence the world would begin. But it was Him who ordered our steps. It goes to show you God’s perspective – when He promises to do something, He will do it, despite the location. It also gives us comfort that when God wants us to change location, there is nothing to fear or dread. Rather, we should have an expectation that the relationships that you build and the opportunities that are presented to you are going to be ordered by the Lord. And if that’s the case, everything is going to the Lord’s plan. Hallelujah!  

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so blessed that nothing is out of Your sight. Everything that You plan and order is good. I can find delight in following Your steps so I put all of my trust in You today. Whoever I meet, wherever I may go, it is all part of Your plan, so I know that I will prosper. I let go of every wrong mindset that would limit me and today, I ask for guidance regarding my future steps. Please speak to me, Lord. You are the light to my path and the lamp to my feet.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.