Read:
Hebrews 2:14–15
Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
Ponder:
We were made for Christmas. Surprised? You shouldn’t be because it’s painfully obvious. I see it every time I look in the mirror. Every morning when I look at my reflection while shaving, I see frailty personified. I think the seventeenth-century Frenchman, Blaise Pascal said it well,
“Man is but a reed, the weakest living thing in nature.”
This echoes Scripture. 1 Peter 1:24 says
“People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.”
Isaiah 64:6 says,
“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.”
We were made for Christmas. You see, Christmas is the story about how God, at just the right time, sent His Son, packaged in frailty, so that we could not only live but live abundantly. His death breaks the chains that bind us, the curse that kills us. Scripture goes on to say that because of this, because Jesus has gone through suffering and trials, He is able to help us when we go through trials.
Trials are a normal part of our lives. And as tough as they might be, God is still in control. He has not forsaken us but wants us to trust Him so we can mature. God has and will give us wisdom to see the purpose and the good in our trials—as we ask in faith. As His frail children, He calls us to not worry about anything; instead, He wants us to pray about everything. He will provide for our deepest needs (see Matthew 6:25-33), and He will always provide a way out of temptation (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Don’t be afraid of your frailty. Embrace it and cling to Jesus.
Pray:
Today, right now, tell God what you need—every single need. Then thank Him for all he has done. Each day, and if necessary, multiple times each day, do this. In doing this, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything you can understand. This peace of His will guard your heart and your mind as you live in Christ Jesus.
