The Most Absolute Best Wrapped Gift Ever - Devotions Day 4

Leaving Everything Behind

Devotional
Picture this: you're at work, focused on your responsibilities, when suddenly an angel appears with the most incredible news you've ever heard. That's exactly what happened to a group of shepherds watching their flocks by night. When they heard about Jesus' birth, they faced a choice that would change everything. They could stay with their sheep, stick to their routine, and play it safe. Or they could leave everything behind to seek this newborn King. Without hesitation, they chose to go. These shepherds laid down their staffs and their livelihoods to find and worship Jesus. They stepped completely out of their comfort zones, leaving their familiar fields for an unknown journey. Their response challenges us today: In our busy lives filled with responsibilities and routines, are we willing to pause and seek the one gift of God? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to experience God's presence? Sometimes God calls us to leave our familiar places... not necessarily physically, but spiritually and emotionally. He invites us to abandon our need for control, our comfortable patterns, and our self-reliant attitudes to pursue Him wholeheartedly. The shepherds discovered that what they found was far greater than what they left behind. When we're willing to lay down our own plans and priorities to seek Jesus, we always find that He is worth it.

Bible Verse
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, - Luke 2:16-18

Reflection Question
What might God be asking you to lay down or step away from in order to seek Him more fully?

Quote 
The shepherds laid down their staffs and their livelihoods to go find and worship Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, give me the courage of the shepherds to leave my comfort zone and seek You wholeheartedly. Help me to trust that what I find in You is greater than anything I might leave behind. Amen.