This New Testament quote, actually from Isaiah 7, was received more warmly by its recipient, Joseph, than it was by its original audience, King Ahaz. Ahaz was determined to do things his way so he rejected this sign that the Lord was going to give. This sign would require Ahaz to obey and trust God.
Many years later, though, a simple carpenter chose otherwise. When told what most would consider a crazy story, Joseph heeded the Lord’s words and obeyed Him fully.
In my life, I am constantly in an Ahaz/Joseph struggle. Will I obey and trust God or will I choose my own way? I forge my own path when I don’t believe God is really with me. Even though I profess Christ, I often act like an atheist by not believing in God…not believing He is good, not believing He has this situation under control, not believing He cares for me in even this.
Remembering that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, is perhaps one of the most important things we busy women could do during this time of the year!
Immanuel: God With Us
Immanuel…when the children are bickering among one another
Immanuel…when you awake in the middle of the night because of sickness
Immanuel…when you receive news of a parent unexpectedly dying
Immanuel…when a friendship is on the rocks
Immanuel…when a child receives a scary diagnosis
Immanuel…when you receive a scary diagnosis
Immanuel…when divorce seems like it would be the only option
Immanuel…in the mundane, day to day
Immanuel…in the gift wrapping, food prepping, house cleaning
Immanuel…when I’m weary of fighting my sin
Immanuel…even when it feels like God is far…
As you are in the middle of your trial, busyness, fear, or doubt…will you receive the sign that God has given?
Merry Christmas! Love, Wendy
