“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.” Mark 8:35, TLV

Last night friends came over for a Bible Study. We watched The Shepherd*, the prequel to The Chosen** series, a short video with a large message. It depicted the birth of our Messiah. We were all a bit teary eyed, but one of the members was especially emotional. She is a new mother and I assumed the birth of Jesus had poignant reminders of the love she had for her sweet son.

But her tears had even deeper meaning. She explained that it hit her that the beautiful, perfect Child brought into this world that night, had a purpose. Any plans Miriam (Mary) or Joseph had for Yeshua — getting married, having children, taking over Joseph’s carpentry business — would never come to fruition. Yeshua’s destiny was in the hands of His Father — the Creator of the Universe. And His destiny was to redeem us through great suffering and pain, and the ultimate sacrifice, death.

It’s doubtful Miriam and her betrothed had those thoughts that incredible night. They were joyful thoughts. Perhaps a bit intimidated by their responsibilities, but all they wanted to do is look at Him. Count His toes and fingers. Laugh and cry. Wonder at their visitors fresh from the hills, with stories of heavenly hosts praising GOD and telling them where to find the babe.

So, what does this have to do with this verse today?

We all have plans for the future — ambitious plans, noble plans, simple plans — but our Heavenly Father has His plans for us. It’s okay to go about our lives, just as long as we understand that one day He might say, “It is time to fulfill your destiny. The plan you were born to.”

What will be our response? To hold tight to our plans — our lives — or to surrender them to the Father?

We don’t have to fear, our Messiah and Savior, has already gone before us and is there to guide us through whatever journey we are destined for.

Just a bit of light thinking, right? I would love to hear your thoughts, my friends.

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*For more information on The Shepherd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVt14Ug-GOs

**For more information on The Chosen series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXOFnNTULFaAnj24PAeblg

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