Making Space

The week before Christmas, friends invited us over for dinner. In an anticipated time of hurry and busyness, they chose to create space for our family by sacrificing their time and energy to gather us around their table. These friends gave up much need holiday prep time by pressing the pause button on their massive to-do lists and agendas. In doing so, we felt incredibly loved! What we create space for reveals what we value in our hearts.

Maybe this weekend, you will put away your tree, lights and ornaments if you have not already. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, but what do we celebrate afterwards?

We celebrate God WITH us! Everyday. Just as Mary made space in her womb, Joseph made space in his heart and Bethlehem made space for a manger; let our lives make space for Him. However, I pray we will not just make space for the pleasant, ideal opportunities and people, but we would make space for ALL opportunities that come from Him.

“Not many of us are living at our best. We linger in the lowlands because we are afraid to climb the mountains. The steepness and ruggedness discourage us, so we stay in the mist of the valleys and never learn the mystery of the hills. We do not know what is lost by our self-indulgence, what glory awaits if only we have the courage to climb, or what blessings we will find if we will only ascend the mountains of God!” J.R.M

Lord, in this moment, by the power of your Holy Spirit, whisper to our hearts the hard and holy things you have for us. Give us the courage and boldness to step forward and climb. We know we can do these things because You are with us.

God is WITH us! Climb the mountain. Resist self-indulgences and resist shrinking back from the peaks He meant for us to climb. We were created to commune with Him, so commit to pray over the hard things He places in front of you. When we do the hard things WITH God, they become holy things. And Holy Things always give Him glory!

How do we welcome and embrace the hard things? Refer to the promises found in His Word: read His promises daily and attach your name to them. Circle them in your Bible and claim them in His Name!