God moves through “that one thing”

It’s December, which means the holidays are upon us. Whatever you’re celebrating — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or otherwise — I pray you’re enjoying time with family and friends, and seeing glimpses of hope this season. 

In my family we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ the King. It’s a time we gather together to nourish one another. We eat together, laugh together, pray together and offer one another a Christ-like love that seems to pour from our hearts effortlessly. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-cut evergreen or the sounds of Amy Grant “Home for Christmas” playing in the background but Christmastime brings out the best in humanity. 

This is also the time of year when I typically read through the Gospels, refreshing my mind with the story of Jesus told by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. To this day, Luke 2 brings butterflies to my stomach. Pure joy. Instant peace. A poetic passage that, thanks to Charles Schultz, is probably one of the best known by Christians and non-Christians alike. 

As many times as I’ve read through the Gospels, God continues to find ways of relating familiar scripture in new ways, according to my current season. 

One scripture that spoke to me like it hadn’t before was in Mark 9 when a boy’s father brought him to see Jesus. The boy was demon-possessed and went into convulsions as he foamed at the mouth. When Jesus saw this, he said “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 

Then this is what spoke to me: The father cried out in tears “Lord I believe; help my unbelief.” 

The fact that the father asked for help in his unbelief is something I’d always glossed over before. Sometimes I think I believe to an extent but don’t ask for help for the small part of my being that doubts (unbelief). So, I’ve started talking to God about that — and that has given me great peace and rest. 

Maybe you needed to hear that today for something (“that one thing”) you’re not quite believing 100% that God will come through. I’m here to tell you He will. I’ve been praying for my future husband for over a decade and despite my desired timeline, I trust God will provide. And let me tell you, when I finally meet him, we’re sure to be a “power couple” in a Godly sense, on fire for Christ and eager to share Christ-like love through acts of kindness, encouragement and generosity. The best is yet to come. 

Keep praying for what your heart desires and pray that the Lord help you in your unbelief. As always, I’m here to pray for you should you feel comfortable reaching out. 

Merry Christmas! May God move through your celebration. 

Merry Christmas! Love, The Mattison’s