Live Above

We all have circumstances - a sum of determining factors often beyond our control. The question we all face is whether we live above or beneath them. Scripture says, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: when His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18, AMP). Those were some challenging circumstances, don't you agree? It's not uncommon that we are challenged daily - even multiple times daily - with circumstances; before us is the quandary how we will respond. The kicking, screaming and panic-stricken approach typically doesn't improve things; neither does the strategy of ignore-it-and-it-will-go-away. I suggest a problem we all may have is that we have idolized our circumstances - that is, we selfishly orchestrate our days rather than trusting God with every second, minute, hour ... yes, every circumstance. We learn Joseph and Mary both had a heart and an ear for The Lord; even in challenging circumstances, they listened and obeyed the voice of God, humbly and obediently surrendering to their parts in bringing The Word to dwell among us. Paul gives us God's perfect encouragement: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV). Seeing every circumstance as an opportunity to rejoice is best - live above your circumstances!