Scriptures Cited: Ephesians 5:24-25; John 10:27; Psalm 37:23; Luke 1:38; Daniel 2:21; John 19:11; Proverbs 19:21; James 4:13-15; Habakkuk 1:5; Romans 8:28, 11:34; Isaiah 55:8-9; Micah 5:2; Galatians 4:4; John 6:35

Introduction: 

a. People don’t like the idea of submission
b. However, there is peace in submitting to God
(everything doesn’t rest on us)

Recap

Mary & Joseph’s lives are changed by God’s call
      They planned a wedding, life together, etc.
      Their plans have changed
Mary submits to God’s will (Luke 1:38)

I. Godly Appointment

a. Rome orders a census and Mary has to travel
b. She knows this is by Godly appointment
c. God works through all circumstances and people
      God isn’t limited to using people we approve of

II. Personally Inconvenient

a. Mary is 9 months pregnant and has to travel to Bethlehem
      10 day/90-mile journey/uphill/walking in the desert
      This is inconvenient for a pregnant woman
b. God’s plans will often disrupt ours
c. Submitting to God’s call requires putting His plans first

III. Divine Arrangement

a. Everyone involved has their own motives
      Rome – census
      Joseph – traveling to his family’s hometown
      Mary – going with her betrothed, as the law required
b. God is at work pulling the strings (Micah 5:2)
c. Jesus will come from Bethlehem
      “Bet Lehem” in Hebrew means “house of bread”
       Jesus is the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35)

Closing

a. We will not see God’s plan if we spend our time resisting it
b. When we choose to submit to God’s call, we can see Him work