When I cried out to You, Jesus
You made a way for me
I may never be the same man
But I’m a man who still believes
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You were there faithfully
Toby Mac, Faithfully
What on earth are you doing? I’ve asked this question in a million prayers for countless circumstances in my life. Where are you taking me, Jesus? This is not what I had in mind.
I know it’s Christmas and it is all about Emmanuel. And it is. Seriously. Our savior came to earth to live a simple and perfect life for us to return to him clothed in righteousness. Blameless and healed. Remind yourself of this amazing gift every day. I know I forget to in the middle of life doing what life does.
My thoughts today are there, but not. How do we get into the places in this life we do? I hardly feel led there sometimes. More like I tripped and fell into them, landed hard, and busted that not-so-funny, funny bone.
There is purpose in pain and there is purpose in all the places God takes us. Mostly, to remind us that He is God and we are not. That we need Him in the best ways. That He is for us, faithfully. Every. Single. Day. He wants us to rest in it, rely on it, stand up on it, believe in it, and trust in it.
In relationships, at work, with money, in our families, with our chores, and everything in between. God cares about us. He makes a way to safe shores and calm eddys when the water just won’t stop rushing. He holds us by the hand even when we are foolish enough to pull it back.
He reminds us over and over not to be afraid. That He will guide, guard, and protect us. Jesus instructs us not to be anxious about our lives. For even the sparrows and lilies of the fields have all they need. Oh, you of little faith what can you add to your life by worrying? (Matthew 6:25-29, paraphrased and out of order)
I fail so miserably at this. I worry like a rock is hard. Like the relentless pounding of the waves at high tide. It leaves me wondering what on earth the God of all creation could do with me. How does a broken vessel carry water? No clue, but over and over again, that’s who He chooses. I don’t get it but I do. I just don’t think I’ve got what it takes to be broken and used sometimes.
I know we all have those days. “Hey God, don’t you see this HUGE crack in me? Pretty sure I CAN’T carry anything for you”. The reply? Always astonishing and never changing and always, always, filled with the exact reminder we need – Emmanuel. He is with us. There’s Christmas again.
There’s the reason for all the giving, loving, hugging, and joy. God used a manger to present His son. A feed box. Not the Sistine Chapel, not the biggest sanctuary, or the most engaged congregation. It was some cold shepherds, stinky animals, and some gifts from some fellas who showed more faith in their long walk than most of us can muster to get out of bed.
So cry out your needs, offer your broken, give up on your plans, and face the truth. A truth that Casting Crowns (Oh My Soul) reminds us of so well:
Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There’s a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
‘Cause you’re not alone
“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great Joy. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” Luke 2:9-10
So go face it, whatever it is. He is with you and He is faithful through your pain, through your joy, in your failure and success. Just don’t forget Him in any of it or think you’re too far from Him to be held and loved. He will make your feet sure. He will provide for you and protect you. He will COME for you. He DID come for you and He has NEVER left you.
Merry Christmas!