God Works through the World’s Hardships
Luke 2:1-5
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (NIV)
It was the worst time in my life …
I was broke …
I was out of a job …
I was put into detox by my family …
I was in a strange country with no friends …
I was in chemo and …
I was depressed …
I was alone …
… It was then that God …
Mary was 9 months pregnant. She knew her baby was special. I am certain she prayed for a safe and easy delivery. Now this, she and David had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a dangerous 70 mile journey through the mountains at this critical time in her life.
Mary had to be anxious as she prepared for this journey so close to her due date. She had to wonder, “Why now Lord?” It would be an arduous journey fraught with risks and dangers.
Frequently, I ask God, “Why now? Why this? Why him? Isn’t there a better way?” when I can only see hardship and hear silence. Then in the midst of the struggle, after the siege has gone further than I expected, when my rope is about to snap, I finally see the hand of God..
While I do not understand the ways of the Lord, I have learned that He is at work during the difficult and pressing times of life. I have come to expect God to work through the most challenging circumstances and events of my life, even through those I cannot fathom He would permit.
A good friend said to me the other day, “We are treading water!” When he slipped below the water, God through His mysterious grace lifted him up. As he told me the story tears streamed down his face because he knew God was at work in the difficulties of his life.
Prayer: Lord, during times of anxiety and hardship, draw me close to you. Let me see your hand at work whether I am traveling through fog or over a raging sea. Amen.
Bread Crumbs - Devotions for Life 
For Mary and Joseph to go 70 miles..that is close to the distance from my house to lake Michigan. A walk for joseph and a ride for Mary. The need of food and water for the trip …and the return. In todays time, I worked the census. People now only had to send a card in the mail, yet I had to visit some homes several times to find someone to give me the information. And I even received trets for entering their property. What if Mary called in sick? Do we have it too easy now?