Reframing God’s Presence: Finding Purpose and Strength in Every Circumstance
The announcement of Jesus’ birth is one of the most profound declarations in human history. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, saying, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The angel continued by quoting the ancient prophecy: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Emanuel,” which means “God with us.”
Yet, the circumstances surrounding this divine proclamation appear anything but ideal.
When “God With Us” Seems Difficult to Comprehend
From the moment of His conception, the life of Jesus was marked by trials and challenges. Mary, a virgin, became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, a situation that could have easily led to public disgrace and even severe punishment under societal norms of the time. Joseph, her betrothed, wrestled with the decision to end their engagement discreetly until reassured by the angelic message.
As the time of His birth approached, there was no comfortable lodging available, leaving the Savior of the world to be born in a manger. Soon after, Herod, threatened by the news of a “newborn king,” issued a decree to massacre innocent children, forcing the holy family to flee to Egypt as refugees.
In these circumstances, it would be natural to question, as Gideon once did, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13). Indeed, it may seem paradoxical that the arrival of “God with us” coincided with hardship and suffering.
The True Meaning of “God With Us”
The title Emanuel—God with us—extends far beyond mere human understanding of comfort or convenience. It does not imply the absence of trials or the fulfillment of every desire. Instead, it signifies God’s presence in every situation, working through our lives for His divine purpose.
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament illustrates this truth. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph endured immense suffering. Yet, Scripture repeatedly affirms, “The Lord was with Joseph.” (Genesis 39:2, 21). God’s presence was not evidenced by the absence of trials but by His guidance and favor through them, ultimately bringing Joseph to a place of influence and fulfilling His greater plan.
A Mature Perspective on Suffering
The Apostle Paul eloquently expounds on this concept in his letter to the Romans: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). While this statement might initially suggest an expectation of ease, Paul immediately counters with a sobering reality: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, and peril are part of the Christian journey.
Yet, Paul does not view these adversities as signs of God’s absence. Instead, he declares, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37). His confidence lies not in the avoidance of suffering but in the assurance that nothing—“neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come”—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
God’s Presence in Our Lives
Understanding Emanuel challenges us to redefine our expectations of God’s presence. It is not a promise of earthly comfort or uninterrupted happiness. Rather, it is the assurance that God is intricately involved in our lives, sustaining us through trials and aligning our experiences with His eternal purposes.
As mature believers, this perspective calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem contradictory. Like the Apostle Paul, we can find strength and purpose in proclaiming, “For His sake, we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:36–37).
A Call to Rejoice
The declaration of Emanuel—God with us—should fill us with profound joy and hope. It assures us that God is present not only in moments of triumph but also in times of trial. His presence is the source of our strength, the anchor of our faith, and the ultimate guarantee of our victory.
This truth transcends fleeting emotions or external circumstances, grounding us in the reality that we are never alone. As we reflect on the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promise, let us boldly proclaim, “Emanuel—God is with us.”
Blessings and Peace to You.
Memher Tsega