One year of my life was particularly rough. And one of the toughest things about that season was my inability to discern what was happening. I could not see, I did not know, and I needed to trust God to guide me.
My heart cried to God, “Help me! I feel so alone. Please confirm I am exactly where You want me.”
I knew I had God, and I knew that should be enough. But I craved humanity. Someone with skin on to empathize and embrace.
I knew I was called to walk a certain path and to persevere. But, O, I needed to know God saw me, and He was leading me.
Then the text came.
A message from a kind prayer warrior at church who knew nothing of the situation. “You were on my heart as I prayed this morning. Please know God loves you and cares for you. Maybe you don’t need this today, but save this message for a day you do.”
My hand shook as I clutched my phone, tears streaming down my cheeks. Thank You God for this confirmation.
You see.
You know.
You confirm.
In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph had had their fair share of trials. They knew the talk. They knew the locked doors. And, they knew what the true story was.
But, oh, a little confirmation can go a long way.
And confirmation, from God’s servant, at God’s house, is just what the Father authored.
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel’. The child’s mother and father marveled at what was said about him.” Luke 2: 28- 33 (NIV)
Mary and Joseph knew who Jesus was. They each knew his conception and birth were miraculous in nature. They each separately had been instructed by an angel, reassured of God’s divine plan.
Many signs and confirmations had occurred since the godly conception of this child.
But this next confirmation would be a treasure indeed.
Why?
It wasn’t the words spoken over the infant or the reverence his parents attributed to the ones speaking.
God blessed their obedient observation of Jewish law with a very special, intimate moment for them to share at the temple.
Not only did they share the joy of consecrating Jesus to God; the special pronouncements were said in both parent’s presence.
Mary and Joseph witnessed the words and wonders together. They each could ask the other afterwards, Did you see? Did you hear? Do you remember?
And each knew what the other meant because they were both there.
Through that experience at the temple:
It was confirmed yet again that Jesus was God’s Son.
It was explained Jesus would redeem Jerusalem.
Joseph and Mary were united in that experience, underscoring their lives had a common, divine, purpose.
After the times they had each experienced, how reassuring that God yet again, confirmed that they were doing His will, no matter how unconventional!
Maybe you, like me, need a few confirmations from time to time that God is indeed in the midst of this, whatever your unconventional situation is.
He understands humans. He knows we crave confirmation.
He sometimes blesses us with that unrequested word, or note of encouragement out of no where. Sometimes, it’s a whisper to our hearts, soothing our ruffled souls.
Let’s thank God for His confirmations. And let’s quiet ourselves, so if He desires, He can use us to help orchestrate someone else’s confirmation.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem Your children. Thank You for sending divine communications to instruct and encourage me as I search for signs of Your leading. Please remind me to quiet my mind, my hands, and my heart as I pray. May I be still so my soul hears all of Your whispered instruction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.