Keep Pressing Forward

December 11, 2024

From Jeff Freeman

Greetings from the principal at Carman,

I can’t help during this time of the year to consider how Mary and Joseph must have felt as they traveled to Bethlehem.  Both of them probably had different feelings.  Mary more than likely wasn’t feeling the most comfortable for the long walk on the “donkey vehicle”.  Maybe she questioned whether it was a good idea right at that moment to be traveling. Maybe Joseph was feeling bad and angry that this trip had to be done right then.  Maybe he was upset that he couldn’t find/afford a more luxurious mode of transportation for his pregnant wife.

Whatever thoughts/feelings they must have been wrestling with, I wonder how often they repeated Micah 5:2 on their journey.  Words of encouragement for them as they trudged to Bethlehem.

“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.”

What drives you on when you know God is leading you?  What is it that takes you into the difficult situations and with renewed strength carries you out the other side?

When I was little with a very shallow understanding of God, maybe it was the saying of the little train that could.  “I think I can, I think I can, etc”.

Now, with a deeper understanding of God and what He does and offers, I have found a pile of verses for strength in verses like:

Job 42:2

“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be

thwarted.”

Psa. 118:6

“The Lord is on my side;  I will not fear.  What can man do to me?

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

What pile of words from the Lord brings you strength, hope, and courage during a difficult journey God calls you to be on?  Pile them up for difficult journeys.

During this holiday season take a few moments and ponder Mary & Joseph’s journey and all that God showed them along the way.  Look for the strength from their story, and by God’s strength may it bring you strength to keep pressing forward no matter what your journey holds.