Some of God’s greatest blessings come when we are busy going in a different direction. They come when their appearance is inconvenient for our plans.

They come with a different appearance than what we anticipate, but that is God’s way. If life unfolded as we planned, would we give credit to God for the miracles in our lives?

If we could anticipate and manipulate God’s opportunities and blessings, would we see His hand in their coming? I love how God promises but leaves the details vague.

He wants us to trust Him and not the specifics. He calls us to follow Him and not the steps that lead towards the place we think we are meant to go.

As we prepare our hearts and minds for this Christmas season, let us spend some time thinking about that precious birth.

Nothing about Jesus’ first coming looked the way the world anticipated. They looked for a king and found a baby. They longed for a warrior and found a man of peace and sorrow.

They sought freedom but thought it was meant for this world and not eternity. How does Jesus come to you? What expectations have you placed on His appearance? Are you waiting for everything to fall into place? Are you looking for a bold sign or unmistakable miracle to point the way?

Remember, Christ lay in a manger and not a crib. His head rested on straw and not fine linen. His future lie destined to lead to a crown of thorns instead of gold. Maybe your miracle awaits you dressed in a way you wouldn’t recognize. God loves to do the unexpected.

His perfect plans rarely come in the usual ways. God is too big to box in with our limited understanding. Be open to the impossible. Follow God’s star and find your path around the bend from what you expected.