From the Throne to the Manger

12/10/23 – 12/18/23

Humble Beginnings

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/14/23

As Christ’s followers, we will face hardship—but we can do so knowing that we are victorious in Him.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-10.

At the end of time, every eye will behold the fearful beauty of Christ. Every knee will bow before Him; every tongue will confess that He is Lord. But you would never expect this if you only judged Jesus by His beginnings in Bethlehem.

For believers on this side of heaven, this same principle holds true. In the eyes of the world, we may be regarded as “imposters; . . . unknown; . . . poor, . . . having nothing” (vv. 8-10). But in Truth, we are known by God, alive in Christ, always rejoicing, rich in spiritual blessings, and possessing everything.

Some of you may be puzzled by your current circumstances—just as it was bewildering for the King of kings to be born in squalor. You may be disappointed with what’s happening in your life, feeling perplexed, fearful, or despondent. But don’t make the mistake of judging the end by the beginning. Remember all that is yours in Christ.

Christian, God is not finished with you yet. He is still in the business of using “the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). So today, trust God with the trajectory of your life. Even now, He is working all things together for your good. Even now, He is transforming you “into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Prayer: Thank You that I am truly alive in You, Lord. I know You are at work in my life, renewing me day by day. May I submit to Your will and grow in godliness by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[K]nown, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:9-10).