More Abundantly Than All That We Ask - Daily Treasure - November 18

Journey to Christmas with the Midwives of the Messiah: More Abundantly Than All That We Ask

by Sharon W. Betters

TODAY’S TREASURE

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Between now and Christmas, we are pulling back the curtains on the lives of five women: a wounded widow, a professional prostitute, an indomitable immigrant, a bathing beauty, and a terrified teenager. Each of us already walks a pathway marked out for us by our faithful God. Over the next few weeks, like the wise men before us, we journey toward a manger, ready to celebrate the birth of our Messiah. Are you anticipating with great joy our destination? Or have your to-do lists already started overwhelming you emotionally and physically? After traveling some days, we will lay our heads down, bodies crying for physical rest, minds racing with undone tasks. For many, Christmas preparations are the last things on your minds. Similar to the midwives of the Messiah, you anxiously work the budget, trying to find money for food and basic necessities let alone Christmas presents (Ruth). Some of you live with terror every day as you try to protect yourself from abuse (Bathsheba). Others don’t know where to turn for help in the aftermath of abandonment and betrayal by the very ones who should care for you (Tamar).  No doubt some of you struggle to know how to declare your newfound faith, knowing such a declaration will alienate you from your family (Rahab). Surely there are some who sense God calling you to a place where obedience will lead to uncertainty and untold pain (Mary), and of course, many of you are in a respite season, eagerly making your lists, organizing your calendar, anticipating the celebration of Christmas with family and worship with your church.

Where ever you fit, take a few minutes to stop right now. Breathe deeply and intentionally ask the Lord to show you a tangible way He is keeping the promise of Today’s Treasure:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21

End your prayer with words similar to these:

Lord, I don’t know how You will keep this promise for me, for our family, for that precious loved one. I choose to trust that You are working behind the scenes in ways I can’t imagine and that ultimately I will see Your glory on this journey to Christmas.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Do you journal? If not, start one for this Christmas season. Record your answer to the question, “What do I want for Christmas that cannot be broken?” Read Matthew 1 and note the names of the five women included in the genealogy of Jesus. Ask the Lord to open your mind and heart as to how each one of these women gives hope to women today. In your journal write a prayer starting with words of thankfulness for the most perfect, priceless gift of all – Jesus. Describe what gift that cannot be broken that you want more than anything and why. Ask the Lord to use His Word to open your eyes and heart to the many gifts He has already sent your way. Commit to thanking Him several times today for those gifts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sharon W. Betters is the author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, and fourteen grandchildren.

For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.