It's Not Going to be Easy

Micah 5:2, ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Luke 2:4-7, ESV

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The time came for her to give birth—away from home, without a proper room, and probably in a stable or the mouth of a cave.

The birth of Jesus didn’t come at a convenient time, nor at a comfortable location. Therefore, it was more difficult than it could have been—or than Mary would have likely preferred. It could have come when she was in her own land, in her own home, with people she knew and loved by her side.

But that wasn’t what God had planned—for He had a centuries-old prophecy to fulfill and some local shepherds to call to the scene.

If the birth of the Son of God was uncomfortable and difficult, how much more should we expect the things God calls us to birth to be uncomfortable and difficult?

So this Christmas, remember this—just because it isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it’s not God. In fact, if it’s uncomfortable and difficult, it’s likely you’re on the right path.

Our discomfort creates the space in our hearts for the Comforter to come in and do what only He can do—a comfort we would never experience if we never had need of it.

The difficulty creates the space in our lives for the power and strength of God to show up and do what only He can do—a power and strength we would never experience if we never had need of it.

So may we face the discomfort and difficulty with courage and peace. 

For the story is bigger than we know, and there are people involved whom we know nothing about. 

It might not be easy, but it’s going to be abundantly fruitful.