Max Lucado - Gods Story, Your Story. Youth Edition

Every great story starts with ordinary people. Spider-Man was just Peter Parker, an ordinary kid in love with the girl next door. Luke Skywalker was a farmer on the planet of Tatooine before he found the message from a princess in need of rescue. Cinderella was just a poor girl living at the whims of an evil parent. But extraordinary stories come from ordinary people. And extraordinary is exactly what happens when Gods story meets ours.

Do you believe that God may want to do something incredible in your life?

T HE PINT-SIZE JOSEPH SCURRIES ACROSS THE CHURCH stage, wearing sandals, a robe, and his best attempt at an anxious face. He raps on the door his dad built for the childrens Christmas play, then shifts from one foot to the other, partly because hes supposed to act nervous. Mostly because he is exactly that.

The innkeeper answers. He too wears a tow sack of a robe and a towel turned turban. An elastic band secures a false beard to his face. He looks at Joseph and chokes back a giggle. Just a couple of hours ago the two boys were building a front-lawn snowman. Their moms had to tell them twice to get dressed for the Christmas Eve service.

Here they stand. The innkeeper crosses his arms; Joseph waves his. He describes a donkey ride from Nazareth, five days on the open road, a census here in Bethlehem, and, most of all, a wife. He turns and points in the direction of a pillow-stuffed nine-year-old girl.

She waddles onto center stage with one hand on the small of her back and the other mopping her brow. She limps with her best portrayal of pregnant pain, though, if pressed, she would have no clue about the process of childbirth.

She plays up the part. Groan. Sigh. Joseph, I need help!

The crowd chuckles.

Joseph looks at the innkeeper.

The innkeeper looks at Mary.

And we all know what happens next. Joseph urges. The innkeeper shakes his head. His hotel is packed. Guests occupy every corner. There is no room at the inn.

I think some dramatic license could be taken here. Rather than hurry to the next scene, let Joseph plead his case. Mr. Innkeeper, think twice about your decision. Do you know whom you are turning away? Thats God inside that girl! Youre closing the door on the King of the universe. Better reconsider. Do you really want to be memorialized as the person who turned out heavens child into the cold?

And let the innkeeper react. Ive heard some desperate appeals for a room, but God inside a girl? That girl? Shes got pimples and puffy ankles, for goodness sake! Doesnt look like a God-mother to me. And you dont look too special yourself there uh What was your name? Oh yeah, Joe. Good ol Joe. Covered head to toe with road dust. Take your tale somewhere else, buddy. Im not falling for your story. Sleep in the barn for all I care!