Will You Be Part of His Story?
By Rick Warren
“She gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NASB)
Consider this: The fact that the innkeeper didn’t make room for Jesus did not stop Jesus from being born. History is his story. When the innkeeper said, “No room,” it didn’t hurt God. But the innkeeper missed what would have been the biggest blessing of his life. He missed the privilege of housing the Son of God.
Luke 2:7 says, “She gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (NASB).
You don’t change God’s plans when you don’t make room for him—but you miss out! Jesus wants to give you purpose, peace, and power. But for him to do that, you have to make room for him in your heart.
First, Jesus wants to give you purpose. Do you ever feel something is missing in your life? It’s because you were made for purpose and significance, not just money or success. Success is not enough; it doesn’t satisfy.
The Message paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 6:12-13 says, “The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way . . . Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” The antidote to unfulfillment is to make room for Jesus and what really matters! Don’t shut him out.
Next, Jesus can give you the kind of peace the Bible calls “the peace . . . which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 ESV). That means you can have unexplainable peace even when everything around you is in chaos. That kind of peace comes only from Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Finally, Jesus wants to give you power too—the kind of power that allows you to have self-control. It’s interesting that the more control you give to Christ, the more self-control he gives you.
You’ve probably found that sometimes your best efforts aren’t enough; you don’t have enough willpower to overcome your hurts, habits, and hang-ups. You need the Spirit of Christ who gives you the power to have self-control.
Do you want the purpose, peace, and power that only God can provide? You need to make room in your heart for Jesus!
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Transform Your Health and Deepen Your Faith with the Daniel Plan!
Are you ready to enjoy whole health—body, mind, and spirit? Pastor Rick’s bestselling book, The Daniel Plan can help!
This proven, Bible-based program has helped thousands of people:
• Lose weight in a sustainable way.
• Boost energy and vitality.
• Strengthen relationships.
• Grow closer to God.
The Daniel Plan is our thanks for your continued support to help bring the hope of Jesus Christ to more people around the world through Daily Hope.
But this resource is only available for a limited time—so request your copy below when you give today!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.