This is the last of four advent devotionals by Pastor Allen Jackson that I have posted on my blog. Advent is a season of anticipation of the birth of Christ the King. Our anticipation will culminate in just a couple of days, and I hope the devotionals only heightened the anticipation.
The owner of this website (A Walk to the Well) (Ah, that would be me) said I could have off on the 29th, so this is my last blog of 2025. I will be back on January 5th (Lord willing) with a fresh start of the new year with weekly blogs. If you prefer not to receive the emails with the links to the blogs, now is a good time to let me know.
In the Midst of God’s Will
A Devotional by Pastor Allen Jackson
Matthew 2:13-15
When they had gone, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said,” take the child and his mother and escape Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Harod it is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.
For a long time, I thought that if I were in the midst of God’s will and there happened to be any opposition or resistance, I must have missed something. I thought following the Lord should be easy. But that’s not biblical.
There is no doubt that Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, was in the midst of God’s will, purpose, and divine direction. He was chosen to rear the Son of God! Joseph had multiple visits from archangels confirming this, and yet he still had adversaries who persisted and difficulties that remained. He married a woman who was already pregnant and watched her give birth in a stable. He moved his family to a different country to escape a murder plot. Then he was told to move his family back.
When you are led by the spirit, your troubles won’t always disappear, and opposition won’t always stop – but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed hearing him or have taken a detour. This Christmas, be at peace. God’s way is sometimes filled with obstacles, but as you continue to seek Him and honor him, He will go before you and be beside you every step of the way.
Jesus experienced rejection and resistance throughout his time on earth. If you are honoring God with your life and experiencing a similar thing, you’re in good company. If you know another believer who is discouraged or overcome with obstacles this holiday season, be sure to share this encouraging word with them.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to be in Your will. Even if I experience opposition, rejection, resistance, or difficulties, I choose to trust You. I repent for the times I have given up or bowed to my circumstances instead of trusting Your guidance. Direct my path toward the assignment You have for me and give me strength to endure. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God’s will is always the best even if the
circumstance may be unpleasant and hard.
He has a purpose and it is always for the best.
My blessing to you, loved ones, is that the joy, peace, love, and hope of Christmas may dwell in your hearts and in your homes throughout the coming new year. Rita