DON’T TRADE NAVIGATORS
BY PASTOR KAYLA STRAND
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”
— Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
Have you ever been on a really long journey to accomplish something, and in the midst of pouring out your time and energy and waiting for it to come into fruition; you sat back wondering, “Why am I even doing this? Is this really going to work out? Did God really say take this job or sign up for this sport? This is hard work and I don’t know if I can make it. I don’t know if I am on the right path.”
That is much like what the Wise Men may have been feeling. They had been traveling for miles, following a star to their destination as they began to wonder, “Are we close? Are we there yet?” Then they come to the town of Jerusalem and think, “Oh great! Someone here should be able to help us! They must know where the newborn King is located.” But much to their surprise and total shock; King Herod and the citizens of Jerusalem knew nothing about this newborn King of the Jews.
They wanted answers. They were expecting directions. They wanted a different navigation system, but they were looking at the wrong source. They went to the most powerful city, and asked the most powerful people in the capital and home of the Roman Empire. And yet the people who knew, came from the most unassuming place and the most unassuming of backgrounds -- lowly shepherds near the town of Bethlehem.
Sometimes in the midst of long journeys we too, want reassurance. We want someone to give us a roadmap. We get impatient and simply want human answers to rush the process. But they had a guide, a star. Let us not become weary in doing good, but continue seeking God first and then depending on God to put the people or signs in front of us for guidance.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for wisdom and Your guiding hand. When I am unsure how long the journey will be, help me to continue to trust You. I do not want to look to the left or to the right, because others do not have the answers I need unless You give them the answers. Show me the right way to go and help me to hold on to Your promises on the road ahead. Your guidance is enough.
