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Devotional 1.2.26

 


January 2, 2026 – Enough Grace for Today

Isaiah 40:28-29 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint; and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Scripture Reading – Matthew 2:13-15

 

Isaiah is emphasizing the character of God. He is eternal, our Creator. He is omnipotent (unlimited power and authority); therefore, he will never grow weary. He is omniscient (complete, unlimited knowledge and understanding). He is also loving, generous, full of grace and mercy. He gives power to the faint, and increases strength in those who are weak.

 

As devoted Jewish people, Mary and Joseph would have been very familiar with the Law of Moses and the words of the prophets. These two ordinary people from Nazareth became vessels by which God used to bring the promised Messiah. But it wasn’t an easy journey. They were at risk for scandal, or worse, when Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit before she was married. It would have been a 3-4 days ride to travel from Nazareth in Galilee to the hill country of Judea when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (and back again 3 months later). Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, also in Judea, when they had to participate in the mandated census. While there she gave birth to Jesus whose first bed was a manger (a feeding trough for livestock).

 

We don’t get a lot of details about Mary and Joseph’s emotional responses to the events that took place. But we do know that they remained faithful and obedient. They had Jesus circumcised and named on the 8th day, and then had him presented in the temple after their time of purification was complete. They then returned to Nazareth after they had performed everything according to the Law of Moses (Luke 3:21-40). But instead of being able to settle in as a new family, an angel of the Lord told them to go to Egypt (a week or longer journey) because Herod feared a baby would dethrone him.

 

May Mary and Joseph inspire us as we begin a new year. We don’t have to fulfill all of our goals and resolutions, or even know with certainty what they will be. However, like Mary and Joseph, we can remain faithful, trusting, obedient and hopeful, knowing that God is faithful to give us enough grace, strength and direction for today.


Further reading: Hosea 11:1-12; Lamentations 3:22-24; Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

Reflection Questions:

1.     How do you generally respond to uncertainty and things out of your control?

2.     How can Isaiah’s words, and the lives of Mary and Joseph, help orient you as you begin 2026?


Prayer: Lord, every day that you allow me to open my eyes is a day that you have given as a gift. Help me to approach each day in this new year with humility, gratitude and anticipation. Thank you that I can rest in knowing that I don’t have to have all the answers, having assurance that you are sovereign and will offer enough grace, strength and direction for today. Amen.


You can listen to the morning playlist here.




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