H.O.P.E.: 80 Miles On A Donkey

Just Take Me To The Stable

Part One

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. ~ Luke 2:1-5

Not a year goes by that I don’t think of Mary and the journey she and Joseph had to make to Bethlehem. I can just see it now as Joseph begins the conversation; “Mary, Caesar Augustus has issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. We have to travel to Bethlehem as soon as possible.”

Now we don’t know for sure how Mary responded to this news. But I know how most women ... myself included ... would respond to something like this today.

"Modern" Mary’s would take one look at the condition of her body turn to Joseph and says, “You have got to be joking, right?” Then a flood of questions would fill her mind as she thought about what could happen on this trip and what it meant for her and the child who would soon to born.

You see, it is 80 miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem, a trip that would be nothing if traveling by car. But by donkey, with a woman only days away from giving birth, this journey was no easy task. It took them at least a week to make this trip.

Think about that...No car...No paved roads...No hotels...No restaurants not even a McDonalds...No comfortable rest stops along the way...No protection from the hot sun by day or the cool at nights...and riding on the back of a donkey, just days before giving birth. I don’t know about you but that is not a trip I would be looking forward to!

Do you know that nothing takes God by surprise? Often times in our lives we face challenging situations that we wonder who in the world are things going to work out. Situations flood our minds with questions, worries and even fear. Let's face it, the uncertainties of life can be stressful at times.

God knew that Mary and Joseph would have to make the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. He also knew it would be challenging but He was going to be with them every step of the way.

What are you facing today? Does the road ahead of you seem filled with impossibilities. Are you fearful of what lies ahead, with uncertainties of things to come? Know this, God is always here for you, waiting for you to ask Him for help.

It's easy to talk to Him. Talk to Him like you would your best friend. You can tell him anything!

I pray for you today.

Father God in heaven, I ask that You will be with those reading this blog today. Help them to know that You care about every area of their lives and that You are there to help them through any situation, all they need to do is ask. In Jesus name, Amen

You can read part two of Journey To The Stable by going to:
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/journey-to-stable-part-two.html