GOD IS IN THE DETAILS

How frustrating is it to untangle a string of tangled Christmas lights? The purpose of today's blog is to remind us that, although at times it appears our lives are a mess, we'll discover they're never beyond God's control.

As we continue reading through Luke 1 and 2, we'll discover that the God of the Universe meticulously designed the unfolding of His plan.

The fulfilment of Jesus’ birth began with a priest and his wife who were “stricken in years” (according to the natural flow of life, they were beyond child-bearing years) and prayed for a child.

In Luke 1:13, God sends the angel Gabriel to Zacharias, announcing his “prayer is heard” and that he and Elisabeth would bear a son and call him John. (Luke 1:13) Due to Zacharias’ disbelief, God made him mute “until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:20 KJV)

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days where he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:24-25 KJV)

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, “Hail, thou art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:26-28 KJV)

“And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob, for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 31-33 KJV)

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Billie, what is your point?”  My purpose is a reminder that GOD IS IN THE DETAILS. He knows everything that has been and what is yet to come.

Note the use of the phrase “shall be” or the word “shall” in these verses. Only God can predict the “shall be.”   

God knew and coordinated every aspect surrounding John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ birth.  

“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.” (Luke 1:57 KJV)

“And so it was, that, while they (Mary and Joseph) were there (Bethlehem), the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7 KJV)

I don’t know what you’re going through, but God does, and His Authority governs EVERY detail.  

God knew us before we were born. – “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee…” (Jeremiah 1:5)

He knows all thoughts.  – “You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away,” (Psalm 139:2 NLT)

He knows what we’ll say before we do! (Oh dear!) – “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” (Psalm 129:4 NLT)

Nothing is concealed from His sight. Perhaps you’re facing a major struggle: drained energy, financial woes, declining health, family conflicts, unemployment, and more.

Like Paul, even though he was going through a tough time—lost in a violent sea, on the brink of disaster, he remained hopeful. Why? Because Paul trusted in God’s authority over his circumstances.

At night, the angel of God came to Paul, saying, “Paul, don’t be afraid … God is master of the winds and waves. You will be saved, along with everyone else on the ship.” Paul’s steadfast hope was in God, the One who commands all things. My prayer is that no matter what you’re going through, you’ll see that God is organizing every single detail.

While preparing for Christmas, remember that you serve the Ruler over all things. Just like God outlined every detail of John's and Jesus’ arrival, He’s governing the specifics of your life. Be confident, He will accomplish His plan and purpose.

REJOICING IN HIS PROMISES

Be of good cheer, my friend. Christmas is less than two weeks away, and this wonderfully hectic season will be a memory. Concentrate on the wonder of it all. Every light, every ornament, every beautifully wrapped gift, every card you receive, every Salvation Army Helper, every cookie you bake, every Christmas carol … Don’t miss the awe of this Holy Season. The season of Good Tidings and Great Joy. Listen to the sounds of Christmas—is that God's message to you that He's in control?