A Manger Moment Day 5

Pastor Hannah Crawford
"Clinging to the Treasured Promise of God"

Luke 2:19: “Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.”
Luke 2:51 “His mother kept all of these things in her heart”

Have you ever been in a season where you feel extremely overwhelmed with the tasks of every day to the point you begin to question where you are and what you’re doing there? Whether you’re failing or feel overworked at that same office that you know God led you to, or your kid keeps hanging upside down from your freshly wiped down refrigerator when you know God called you to be a stay at home mom? Big or small struggle, whatever it may be, the enemy has a way of making you want to throw in the towel on a task that God didn’t rule as complete.

The book of Luke can teach us all a lot about clinging to what you know is from God, and if you’re anything like me, the Holy Spirit will be so quick to squash your flesh right in the middle of studying His word, just to remind you that there’s very little weight that’s held in intimidation and uncertainty when He’s already spoken the promise.

If I could have a conversation with Mary right now, in this season of my life where I feel spiritually attacked by the abundance of unfolded laundry on my couch, I’d probably feel a little silly.

With the true suffering that she endured, like motherhood itself isn’t difficult enough, She had so many opportunities to act in her flesh. Moments of comparison. Letting her mind ponder on what might have been or what was coming. Questioning if she was qualified. I know I would’ve questioned my own sanity a few times, (and I know my husband would’ve) But she directed her mind back to what she knew was true; His plans are far greater and His promise always stands. She kept this truth in her heart.

Simon actually prophesied in Luke that Mary’s soul would be pierced because of Jesus. She suffered tremendously as His mom. From the birth to the crucifixion, she was present (The only one actually recorded in scripture).  I think the thing is, when you’ve experienced the faithfulness of the Father, there’s no thing in the world that can reverse it at the Core. No matter where you are, no matter what you’re in the middle of, You’re always going to know truth. Even if you need a reminder.

While I don’t believe she was giving birth in a stable, or standing at the bottom of Calvary’s hill with rainbows and butterflies on her mind, something about her soul just knew that no moment, no ounce of grief, no amount of hurt is wasted when it’s in the hands of God.
What does His word tell you is true? In this season of busyness, if you are facing family conflict, comparison, loss, grief, or deadlines, cling to the treasure that is His promise. Your circumstances don’t wilt the truth. Hold tight.

-Pastor Hannah