The more I learn about God, the more I realize I know absolutely nothing about Him.  I’ve managed to earn three degrees, a diploma, three levels of ministerial credentialing and much more only to realize I’m not as smart as I think I am.  The more I learn the less I know.  Seems crazy but it’s true.  Common sense tells you a college graduate should come out of school smarter than when they went in.  It’s my experience many times when you graduate you leave with more questions than answers.  You may be trained in certain areas of expertise but when it comes to the things of God you can hang it up.  God has to be the most confusing person I believe I’ve ever known.  Much of what He does never seems to make sense to me.   Have you ever sat back and considered who God is His methods.  I dare say, the majority of the time He never does things the way we expect Him to.  The Bible is chocked FULL of stories of people who were unprepared, uneducated, too old, too young, adulterers, fornicators—basically the worst of the worst and the most incapable.  THOSE are the people He has always chosen to use.  He never seems to use the smartest, richest, or even of most prepared or able-bodied.  He seemingly takes pride in doing things backwards.  As I’ve been reflecting on the Christmas story lately I’ve come to a few realizations that have left me baffled.

His people were looking for a king to save them, someone who would gallop in on a white horse and save the day.  What they got were 10 little fingers and 10 little toes.  They were expecting someone with military experience and power that would sweep in with force and decimate their enemy.  What they got were smooth skin and a fuzzy little head too small to carry a heavy jewel encrusted crown.  This is a king?  From this perspective he doesn’t look like he has the power to save anyone, let alone himself.  What you don’t understand is you’re looking through human eyes.  You are viewing things with eyes that are flawed and can’t see the true power and potential in that little body lying in the feeding trough.  He will save his people….but not in the way you expect.  He will rescue his people from their oppression, though not in the way you anticipate.  He will rule the world, but not from an earthly kingdom.  He will bring justice, though not in the way you desire.  He will fight a terrible and bloody battle, but won’t use force to win.  How will He bring justice, rescue His people, and rule the world, you ask?  With a few pieces of splintered wood and three rusty nails.  He will simply lay down and die.  This is our King and Savior.  We don’t like to consider it but Christ was born to die.  Seems an oddity.  Not really.  That’s just the backwards God we serve.  The next time you begin stressing over how things seem to be coming out all wrong take a minute and reflect over what you know about God.  He brings the most beauty from the biggest mess.  Trust that He’s working it all out for your good.  Merry Christmas everyone!

**Side note:  This is probably going to be the last blog of this year for me.  I appreciate all of you that have chosen to read it.  I am humbled when I consider that in the few months I’ve been writing I’ve had nearly 1500 visitors to this site.  My goal is to expand my writing endeavors in the coming year and I ask that you join with me in prayer as I pray for His guidance in this process.  I will do my best to keep you up to date.  I do have an article being printed in January and will be providing a link so you may read it when it is printed, if you’re interested in doing so.  God bless you all in the coming year!!!