Ever feel that way? Ever think these words? It's NOT supposed to be this way! We plan, but plans fail. The story of Herod is one of a man who was a wheeler & dealer. He was an exceptional planner (or plotter - his schemes were maddening and murderous). But this was a guy who was used to being in charge. He worked every angle; he laid out all his plans. The truth is all of us like to believe the myth of control. It comforts us - until it is shattered. The moment comes to all of us whether through death, loss of a job, illness, betrayal...or, sometimes we just discover, "I am not the king that I thought I was." In those moments, trust that God's ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) Realize that you don't have to have all the answers. Look for God's message in the moment. Even evil, broken, sinful King Herod had an inside track to an amazing truth of Christmas, "...when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him." How close he was to the needed interruption. How close could you be?

Pardon the Interruption

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way

Matthew 2:1-8, 16-20

Three mistakes we are prone to make like Herod:

1. Herod didn't ask the right questions.

Matthew 2:1-8

Questions we need to be asking:

• God, what are You trying to teach me?
• God, would you give me the strength to trust you right now in this moment?
• God, am I right to feel like "this" shouldn't be this way?
• God, is there something You want me to do, change, or correct?

2. Herod tried to control the outcome.

Matthew 2:16-18

• Control - The power to influence or direct peoples behaviors, the course of events or outcomes.
• Control is a Fruit of the Spirit...self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

3. Herod never got off the throne.

Matthew 2:19-20

Question: In what areas of your life do you feel like "It's not supposed to be this way?"

As you are faced with them this week, try to ask the right questions, let go of control, and get off the throne.