Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Zechariah 4:10, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Think

"It doesn't matter where you are from, God can use you right where you are!" Bethlehem was not thought of as a place for a king to be born, much less the Messiah! And yet, not only was Jesus born in this small town, but he was born in a manger: a trough for farm animals to eat from. It's just like God to use the most unexpected manner to fulfill his plan. Our minds find it difficult to grasp how the savior of the world could have such humble beginnings. And yet, this humble beginning gives us hope that God can do anything with even the smallest things. In our world, it can be easy to believe the misconception that we must have certain qualifications to be or do something significant. We forget that simply because our Creator breathed life into us, we are significant. As image bearers of God, we have purpose. Our ability to fulfill that purpose is not determined by how big or small our birthplace was. It is determined by how much we allow God to use us right where we are.

Act

Make a journal entry about a dream God may have given you. It can be as simple as sharing a smile with every stranger you encounter or as large as forever changing the course of someone's life. Whatever it is, let him show you how he intends to begin fulfilling that dream right where you are. Don't underestimate the power of small beginnings.

Pray

Dear God, thank you for bringing your son, Jesus, into this world in such an unexpected manner. It is a constant reminder that your ways are so much better than mine. Help me to surrender myself for your purposes right where I am. In Jesus' name, Amen!