(The Story of Jesus)

Who wins a classic 66 Mustang in a contest? This girl did. It was so surreal, when I look back on that day, September 1, and only remember the extreme surprise and joy I felt along with God immediately speaking to my heart as I drove the vehicle off the Classic Car Show stage. “Use this to pay your debt.” Whaaat?
A buyer was found in a few weeks, the car was towed to the buyer and cash exchanged hands.

Who knew that Randy, our bread winner, who works as an engineer tech on construction sites, that the following winter would be the worst yet and Randy would be out of work for several weeks. God did. He provided for us before we knew we would need it. The money was also used for other great things, like helping in Haiti, but the main use was to keep us afloat financially through a tough winter. Who knew? God did.

Who knew that His One and Only Beloved Son would need protection from an evil king? God did. He provided gifts for the journey ahead that would finance the trip for Jesus’ loving, earthly parents.

“Instructed by the king, they (scholars) set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It lead them on until it hovered over the place of the child. they could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!” Matthew 2, Msg

“They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.”

“In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.”

“After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, ‘Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.'”

Who knew? Why did scholars make the long trip? Why gifts? God knew. Can we wrap our minds around that, yet? He knows…BEFORE we know anything. He is God and we are not. He will provide a way out. He will provide where He guides. Every. Time.

The gifts were used to possible finance the quick journey to Egypt for the protection of the “child”, Jesus! God knew what they needed before Joseph and Mary knew what they needed. I have heard sermons where the gifts were symbolic of his death, burial and resurrection, too. But I am more simple and practical in thinking this morning. The gold probably came in handy to make a fast, unexpected journey to Egypt!

God still does this today…provides…before we know we need it. How many times has He done that for you? Let’s us kneel down in praise and worship, like the scholars did when they were in the Presence of the King of kings! God led them with a star. What does God use today to lead us through our journeys? A car?

Tell us what God did for you that was unexpected and came before you knew you needed it. It would be good to share with each other so we remember and then live a life of gratitude and assurance of God’s love and care for us. God does care for you, you know. But it must be in His time and in His perfect way. One thing for sure, He will always surprise you! It makes Him smile, too! : )

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of lords and King of kings, our hands are shaky as we type as we remember your love and care over the course of our lives because of the awe we have for You! Thank you for knowing what we need before we need it and providing. Thank you for peace that comes after our foolish worry. Thank you for being with us, Emmanuel! In Jesus Name, Amen