In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7 ESV
By now, Mary was obviously pregnant, and the news came from the emporer that everyone must return to his ancestral city to be counted. Joseph took Mary with him from Nazareth to Bethlehem, very similar to the journey Mary had taken to Elizabeth’s house, about 80 miles. On foot.
How did she prepare for this journey? After all, she was pregnant and near her time for delivery. This normal three to five day journey could take five to eight days now. The journey would have been dangerous under any circumstances, but now it’s even more so!
In the face of danger, and even the possibility of her death, Mary trusted God with her life for His divine protection. And it wasn’t just Mary. God had assured Joseph that she would bear His Son, and a promise of God is absolutely certain. They knew without reservation that God would see them there safely and bring about the birth of Jesus in His timing.
Are you struggling with worry and uncertainty? Will you give God those things and trust Him without question? In your prayer, confess your struggles and weaknesses to Him. Ask Him for strength. Ask Him to supply you with the faith and trust that surpasses all your worry.