These instances remind us that, even while someone may be struggling and may even be at what they feel is their lowest point, God is still present, the gifts He’s given still available, and strengths still evident.

During these uncertain times, I look at how David found the strength to battle Goliath. He wasn’t a warrior, wasn’t trained, and didn’t have the right tools. He had all of the acceptable excuses to back out, yet he stood firm, trusting that his strength was from the Lord.

If Jesus has all authority, then why am I afraid?

As the Son of God, he knew the absolute truth of what his life, death, and resurrection would accomplish. Jesus conquered death, and therefore we can live unafraid.

We are a bit spoiled. We know how this story ends. We know that Christ rises from the dead, the Holy Spirit is sent, and Christ promises to return yet again. Knowing the ending can be a great comfort. The assurance of God’s grace and our ability to come to God the Father because of Christ’s sacrifice is an unparalleled blessing.

At the same time, if we skip right to the ending, we lose some understanding of what it was like to be a follower of Christ in those uncertain days. While Christ was with them, miracles abounded, people were healed and fed. Then, suddenly, their leader was arrested, falsely convicted, and killed. The believers were so frightened that when Christ returned, He found them hiding behind locked doors!

When I hear the Christmas story of Jesus’s birth to Mary in the stable, I also think about our own design and creation. I am in awe that God would send His Son to be born of a virgin, with his own unique body, complete with individual fingerprints! Equally awe-inspiring is the fact that Jesus would live his life and die with us in mind. Absolutely amazing- our God loves, creates, redeems, and gives a purpose to each one of us through Christ. Now that is something to celebrate this Advent season!

The spiritual obstacles we face can often seem more daunting than the physical ones. Many times we feel that we’ve strayed too far or have finally hit that one barrier that won’t move. At times like this, it’s important to remember that nothing is out of God’s ability and no one is beyond his reach. That baby born in Bethlehem is the one who equips us with the grace, forgiveness, and strength to get back on the path God designed for us.

I’ll never forget the words of one of our Native American sisters as she exploded from the water, arms raised victoriously as she shouted, “Hello! I’m going to heaven!!”