“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2 v 6-7)
Look at what you have. See what can be created from what is in front of you. Use imagination. The manger was a feed box for domesticated animals.
Many are leaving their dreams out in the cold to die because they lack initiative. They see a manger they don’t see a cradle.
Nothing is too unclean or worthless. Jesus is ready to be placed into your shame.
“Grace makes beauty out of ugly things. Grace finds beauty in everything. Grace finds goodness in everything” (U2)
Initiative needs grace.
In our world of hatred, pain and division, the answer is initiative and that means grace.
To see God in a fallen yet created world.
To see God in a manger.
To see God on a cross.
These are the starting points of finding and stepping into grace.
Whatever happens today from the moment you rise it is all because of His grace to look upon you, bless you, love you, favour you and He does that through every single thing around you. You may be the manger, imperfect in many ways. But the Spirit of Christ is placed within you.
The more you understand that every part of your physical world is both the place where God is revealing who He is and where He also hides to be searched for, then you will begin to understand the initiative of God to move with grace to you.
Missions Paul 