When Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, looking for a place to stay, surely for anyone else, that would have been a time when fear was a temptation. Her birth was imminent; surely God would not want His own Son to be born in an open field? They were faced with an imminent situation totally outside of their control, and throwing themselves upon the mercy of strangers, but it seemed like there was no mercy to be found.
Until finally, they were told about the cavern, not even fit for men, only good enough for livestock. But that is where they found themselves, in a situation completely outside of what they would likely have ever chosen for themselves — how could THIS be the will of the Father? And yet, when they placed themselves in the Father’s care, they found they were led to exactly where they were supposed to be all along — perfectly centered within His divine plan.
There’s no way that Joseph could have foreseen the humblest of places being the birthplace of his adopted son, or that the wonder of the universe would choose such a lowly place for His birth, without any acclaim from man, but that’s exactly what He chose. There’s a wonderful verse about how if men don’t praise God, that He will cause even the rocks to cry out. Instead, His angels appeared, proclaiming the good news of Christ’s birth to shepherds, and to kings. Christ was born for the lowly and the mighty, Jewish and Gentile. And He is forever worthy of praise.
Are you finding yourself in a situation where events seem like they are progressing and are unstoppable, like a woman in labor? Are you experiencing anxiety or fear over God’s provision, and whether you can find your needs met when doors seem to keep shutting in your face? Turn to God, trust in God, and be led by God. Allow Him to guide you to that unexpected place where you will be perfectly cradled in His will for your life. From the outside appearance, it may not appear to be what you’d ever have willingly chosen for yourself, but if God is in it, then there’s nowhere else you should be right now.
Lauren Miller 