I am sure many of you remember this conversation in the Bible: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” John 1:45, 46.
To hear what Philip said about Nazareth, it must have been considered a rough and sinful city, well known for its crimes and vices. Even with its notorious reputation, something “good” did come out of Nazareth, Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Nazareth, with all of its depravity, was the city chosen by our heavenly Father for His only begotten Son to be raised.
“What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son?
- A secluded home in the Galilean hills;
- a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor;
- a life of simplicity;
- daily conflict with difficulty and hardship;
- self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service;
- the hour of study at His mother’s side, with the open scroll of Scripture;
- the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley;
- the holy ministries of nature;
- the study of creation and providence;
- and the soul’s communion with God—these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.” Ministry of Healing, 365, 366.
We have no excuse for not following our Lord under all circumstances. God has chosen our surroundings for our growth. If it were not for challenges, we would not grow spiritually. Let us praise God for His choices for each of us, knowing that He has chosen such because He loves us.
Remember, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:28–30.
God has a plan for you and He has chosen the conditions surrounding your life for good reason. Are you being conformed to His image, or are you making excuses because you are not happy with the circumstances that the Lord has chosen for you? God’s only begotten Son followed His will with delight. Will You?
Father: Forgive me for complaining at times because of circumstances and challenges. Please put peace and happiness into my heart that I may give glory to Thee in all areas of my life. That under all conditions or circumstances, I will remember that it is Your will for my life, and I will praise Your name for Your mercy at that moment and not murmur or complain. Amen.