God’s Perfect Timing

( A Christmas devo)

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.   Luke 2:1-7 NLT

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son. Galatians 4:4a KJV

It’s “Christmas-time,” and for many, Luke 2 is the go-to chapter. Many will open their copy of God’s Word and read the account of our Savior’s birth, found here. There is much that we could glean from this familiar and rich section of Scripture, but I’d like to pull out  and hold up to the light, one point.

God’s perfect timing doesn’t always feel perfect. God’s ways, don’t always feel “God-directed.”

As Scripture records, this was the first time that the governor had taken a census. His decree meant that Jospeh and Mary were required to travel to his ancestral home, some 90 miles away. Immediately. No Uber. No Greyhound. And when they arrived at their destination, no reservation or Airbnb awaited them. As some translations put it, there was “No room in the Inn.”  And all of this just so happened to occur while Mary, the mother of our Lord, was on the verge of giving birth.

At first blush, doesn’t it seem like God the Father should have orchestrated better circumstances for the pair? Or that the timing could have been a bit different? Why not travel when Mary is just a few months along or wait until the Child is done with night-feedings?  And what about accommodations? Why did the Creator of all the Universe, not make reservations for His Son? We know He could have. Later in life, we read that a donkey was waiting His arrival and a room prepared for His last supper, why not make His first meal a little more inviting?

I don’t have the answer to those (possibly silly?) questions. But what I do have is faith in our Loving, Faithful and Sovereign God, that if these challenges or less-than-ideal circumstances were allowed to happen, they happened for a purpose. And with His permission and indeed, direction.

If you and I, as *His children, have less-than-ideal circumstances or challenges along life’s path, the same truth applies to us. I don’t know what blessings (a beautiful new baby, or a career achievement or the gift of a godly spouse) or what challenges (grieving a loss, or grieving what might have been or the ache of loneliness or regret) you may be facing this Christmas season. But He does. And His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t feel that way. His ways are best, even when accompanied by pain. Trust Him. He will never fail you. He has a plan.

This Christmas, as you read Luke 2, and take in the account of our Savior’s birth, be reminded, not only of His goodness in sending His only begotten Son to be born that day in Bethlehem. But in His perfect ways and perfect timing, in all things. Including your life and mine.

Let’s pray –

Father God, I stand in awe of Your goodness in sending Your Son for us and in awe of Your perfect timing as well. In Jesus’ birth and in all the events of my life. Enable me to trust You, even when …. and even if …. I love You! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

*We are counted as children of God through our relationship with Jesus Christ.