“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19

When we look at the adverse circumstance surrounding Christ’s conception and birth, we learn something more about how God works through faith.

Mary’s acceptance of Christ’s miraculous conception came through faith. Joseph’s acceptance of Christ’s conception came by faith. Their journey to Bethlehem and accepting the place of His birth came by faith.

Mary and Joseph endured the hardships because their faith in God’s promise brought them strength and joy.

Circumstances without difficulty or hindrances require only human effort and the result is human works.

Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him, knowing He would save the world. (Hebrews 12:2)

God brings about His greatest works when everything says this is too hard, but our faith says, “Let’s Go!”.

In all our adverse circumstances we have joy because we haveGod’s Holy Spirit within our hearts. And having Christ in us to sustain us is always enough. (Galatians 5:22-23)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12: 1-3

His Abider,

~Mary Ahlborn