Have you ever wondered what Joseph and Mary were thinking when they were told they would be parents of the Messiah? Believing like everyone did that the Messiah would be a powerful political ruler, did they wonder what the perks might be, like living in a palace? Certainly if their son was the Messiah, the Son of God, life would be easier and more comfortable, wouldn’t it? That would have been my thought. And how surprised were they when life quickly became seriously complicated, extremely difficult, and perilous? When God didn’t prevent the census and the long journey to Bethlehem, the whole birth in a stable incident, the magi triggering Herod’s fears, leading him to try to kill Jesus, forcing Mary and Joseph now with a baby to run and hide in Egypt, where they would have to find a new way to make a living. I think I would have been more than a little surprised.

A number of years ago while I was pastoring a church, the former pastor who was still attending the church decided he didn’t like me and turned the board against me. When they asked for my resignation they said they wouldn’t allow a congregational vote knowing I would get at least 90%. I was devastated and broken, and that night I cried to God asking why he would allow this to happen. Now God doesn’t always respond so quickly and clearly but that night he was very clear. And his response might surprise you. He said, “Where did you get the idea that ministry would be different from this? Didn’t I tell you what they did to me they will do to you?” Was I hurt by God’s response? Not at all. Because God had clearly spoken to me, and knowing he was with me, I was ecstatic. Of course he was right. I somehow got the wrong idea in my head that God wouldn’t allow any trials.

In Ephesians 3:12-13 Paul tells us what to expect when God is with us. Because of Christ [Immanuel] and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. In other words, don’t let my trials, or your trials for that matter, throw your confidence in God’s presence. But know where to place your confidence.
This confidence is not in God always giving us what we ask for, or that he will always make this life easier, more comfortable and less difficult.

This confidence is in; that God loves us; that he enjoys our presence; that he wants us to know him; that he wants to hear what we are thinking, feeling and expecting even when our expectations are less than his best for us. He doesn’t get mad at us when we ask for lesser things, but gently reshapes our thoughts and ideas, so we can see his better plans for us. And in our trials we can be confident that he will only give us things intended to keep us close to him and get us home.