Not only did God call Mary and Joseph to a long journey on a rough road in order to get to Bethlehem, but the required travel meant that Jesus would be born in an unfamiliar place. I don’t know about you, but when I’m facing something new or scary, I’m always looking for things that I know to give me stability and a point of reference. I can’t imagine what it was like for a young couple getting ready to welcome their first child as they attempted to find their bearings in a foreign land that was crowded with people. There were no plans laid out nor was anything certain, so they had to cling to each other and to their Heavenly Father, who had brought them there and promised that He would be with them. 

My encouragement to you today, my friend, is to become comfortable in unfamiliar places, because the Lord’s favor will always meet you there. Growth requires movement, and very often, that movement will take you to unknown destinations that you must explore and make familiar. As you follow Jesus’ lead, you will be uncomfortable, but you can cling to the consistency of His character and anchor your soul in His steadfast provision. As you do this, your heart will find a home in new territory and your life will shine forth the faithfulness of the One who led you to that place.