See, I told you!

Written by Mike Verkaik

Seven years ago our Good Father opened a door to begin a ministry at a local motel in Holland, Michigan with a Christmas dinner. As our relationship with staff and residents has grown, Haven Church began to provide means for Oceans Ministries to also bless the residents with gift bags filled with hygiene products, gift cards and even a partial weeks rent payment.

You might think that attending a free Christmas meal at a local church would be an easy decision to make if you were spending Christmas in a motel room with no kitchen or means to cook. However, that is not the case for many of the residents who are not comfortable in crowds, or are new to the motel and have no relationship with the volunteers that serve there. Such was the case for Mary and Michael and their two children.

For residents that choose to, or can not attend our Christmas dinner it gives us the opportunity to bring them their gift bag and present it individually. While approaching Mary and Michael’s door I began asking the Holy Spirit for words to introduce myself. Nothing eloquent came as I prayed, only the simple truth was given. So, as their door opened and they invited me in I spoke His truth-filled words, “Hi, I’m Mike and I love Jesus, and Jesus loves you, in fact …” While continuing to speak about the Father’s love for them, Mary’s posture and big smile drew my attention. She was leaning over her 7-year old son saying, “See, I told you!”

Those simple Holy Spirit filled words was the key to the door of relationship and them sharing their story of loss, addiction and pain which led them to the motel. It was, and continues to be not an easy path to travel, but how beautiful and redeeming for them to know that in the midst of the mess their Abba Father sees them, validates He is with them, and supports a mom in bringing the message of Jesus to her son.

I have been pondering those words of Mary, “See, I told you”, during the past few days while dwelling in Luke 2. I Wonder if what I witnessed with Mary and Michael in that dark, musty motel room was similar to Mary and Joseph’s experience. I pictured the two of them, with their new born child, perhaps wondering is this really happening? And possibly, if like me, doubts and fears were creeping in about previous words spoken by angels seen.

What a reassurance it must have been for Mary and Joseph when our Father sent many angels with a gift message to shepherds and prompted them to go, see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Luke 2:15b (NIV) I envision our Father smiling, holding Mary and Joseph, while listening to the shepherd’s recollection of the angels message, and whispering into their spirit, “See, I told you”. Although the uncertainty of their life did not change, the shepherds message had Mary treasuring words and pondering meaning the new trajectory of her life with Jesus.

If you are like me, in the midst of the challenges of life, you maybe need to be reminded frequently that our Father who sees you and is encouraging you. Maybe that is why the three snapshots written in Luke 2 of Mary and Joseph’s life with Jesus (with the shepherds, Simeon and at the Festival of the Passover) reveal our Father’s assurance and reminder that the Jesus they are raising is who the angel said He was before He was born.

As you enter into 2025 does your current life have you in a position where you are looking for validation, encouragement or wondering if you are walking on the right path? Are you looking for that reassurance again, even though you have sensed it before? Cling to the truth of your Father’s words, may they sink deep into the depths of your soul. Let them meet you where you are at, and bring you to trust in Him more deeply as He reveals Himself and says, “See, I told you.”