"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23 KJV)

I truly love this season, even with the hustle and bustle that accompanies it. Yesterday, Jon and our son Jason worked diligently to decorate the front yard with lights and our manger scene. Today the cookies are baking and I am getting ready to make chocolate peanut butter balls for friends and family. I don't love to cook every day mind you, however, I do enjoy making treats to share.

A Christmas many years ago set a different scene. That year, my feelings of abandonment and hopelessness were multiplied. My x-husband had left us for another woman. I was alone, without a companion, questioning God. I was asking, "Where are You, God? Where is hope, love? Where is the joy of Christmas now?

Some of you may relate to my struggles of that year. You may be holding on even while questioning the events God has allowed into your life. As Shell says, "You may still be waiting for your miracle."

I encourage you to hold on! Remember, it is not over yet.  Psalm 30:5 (KJV) says, "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  I shed many tears, but God's plan came through. His plan for you will unfold in the days ahead as well. Remember, what we think best is not always what is best. But God's faithfulness has been proven towards us as He came and dwelt among us some 2000 years ago, and in pain and suffering reconciled us to Himself. Be willing to receive God's plan. He will help you to walk through your challenge into joy and satisfaction.

A great example of God's plan being worked out through what appeared to be a hopeless situation is in Genesis 50. It is the story of a man named Joseph, who at age 17, was sold to the Egyptians as a slave by his brothers. Shortly thereafter he was imprisoned due to a false accusation made against him. Through a series of trials and victory in his circumstances, he finds himself promoted into the #2 position in Egypt. The story ends with Joseph's brothers traveling to Egypt during a time of severe famine. Not knowing they were asking their long-lost brother to provide food for their people, Joseph reveals who he is, forgives and blesses his brothers. He reassures them "Do not to be afraid...You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV). I would encourage you to read the entire story. I believe God is sovereign and works out His plan even through our devastations. I hope this truthwill bring hope for your future just as it has for me.

This is the season we celebrate the miracle of Christ, the God-man who humbled Himself on the cross to reconcile us to God. What love! In Christ, you can know God is faithful and He has a purpose in everything he allows into our lives. Every hurt, mistake, sin, wrong turn, or sins committed against us that appear to be hopeless- God will work it all together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

My prayer during this Christmas season and throughout the coming year is for you to find His strength in your weakness (II Corinthians 12:9). Turn your eyes to gaze upon Jesus Christ, the hope of glory!  In the midst of heartbreak, you can experience the joy in knowing the all powerful, loving, sovereign God is with you and has a plan for your future - a plan to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11-12). He will give you strength to walk through life's devastations (Phil 4:11) and His joy will be found in you.

God is with us - only a breath away. Call upon and trust in Him. He is waiting for you.

May His presence surround you and bring you comfort and peace this Christmas season.

Minister Sarah Ann Goebel

Author/ Speaker/ Coach

Learn more about the abundant, satisfied life in Sarah's book, "Satisfied Woman"

www.DeclaringHisAnswer.com