Envision Things: What Do You Expect?

Envision Things: What Do You Expect?

Do you envision things as you think they should be? I do. And, I know the people who awaited the birth of the Messiah did too. They imagined birth in a posh place, not a stinky room with a wooden manger as a bed. The wise men showed up at Herod’s palace first – what better place for the king to be born?

Instead they found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem—did you know that Bethlehem means house of bread? No wonder Jesus was called, the bread of life.

I tend to envision things differently too. This year has been another journey of seeing things as they are, not as I think they should be. Never did I think that I would go to China to meet my first grandbaby. But to China I am going—and soon.

In the middle of what is, God will reveal Himself in amazing ways. But, I need to take off my assumption-glasses so I can see His work around me.

The shepherds, disciples, rulers and so many others needed to see that God had come in a way they didn’t expect. And, as they embraced the newborn king asleep in the stinky stall, their vision of wonder grew to worship.

It’s difficult to understand the image of the child being wrapped in swaddling clothes being placed in a manger – becoming the One who went to the cross in nothing but a loin cloth. Humble birth, to a death He humbled himself to endure because of His love for the whole world.

Who would have imagined?

This year has been a time of waiting and growing. This Christmas is different than I ever dreamed. But in the middle of it all, I have encountered the sweetness of God’s presence. And, His word over me that says, “Trust Me.”

I have discovered that His ways are much better than I can ever imagine!

His word says, He will do exceeding abundantly more than we can think or imagine. (Eph 3:20) That’s the kind of God we serve.

What are you envisioning?

Share a time when God did something far beyond your imagination.

How have you discovered God in the middle of the unexpected?

Jeanne

PS: China travel should be sometime in December. Thanks for praying for us. If you would like to contribute to my travel fund you can do so using Paypal.me