I’m not a math person. In fact, I stink at it. Sure, I can figure out fractions for a recipe and percentages for a sale at Kohls— during the holiday season, this comes in handy. But beyond that, I’m scratching my head and scrunching my eyebrows together. It’s a good thing that I married an accountant. He can add quicker than I can punch numbers into a calculator. It was with his help that I barely passed my algebra class in college (why are there letters in math I ask you?!).

All of this being said, even though I’m not gifted at math like my husband, I have a respect for it. There is no ambiguity with numbers. You’ve heard the saying, numbers don’t lie. That’s exactly what I like about math: 2+2=4. There’s nothing subjective about that. If you have two apples and then add two more apples, it always equals four. Very logical.

“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” ~Albert Einstein.

But God’s math—it’s not always logical. At least from a finite human perspective. Take a look at  Matthew 14:15-21.

“That evening the disciples came to him (Jesus) and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. “Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.  They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.  About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!”

Five loaves plus two fish will never equal enough to feed 5,000—unless the son of God, Jesus, is added to the equation, that is.

WITH GOD’S MATH, THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES THE POSSIBLE

Sadness + Jesus = Joy   Fear + Jesus = Courage   Anxiety + Jesus = Peace

 Lost + Jesus = Found   Slave + Jesus = Freedom

Unwanted +Jesus = Loved   Broken + Jesus = Healed

Doubt + Jesus = Faith     Weakness + Jesus = Strength

Rejected + Jesus = Accepted   Lonely + Jesus = Fulfilled

DEATH + JESUS = ETERNAL LIFE

There’s no better return on your investment than to give your heart to Jesus. Turn over the ‘remainder’ (emphasis added) of life and He’ll give you eternity. Use your gifts and talents which are flawed and the results are supernatural.

God’s math obliterates our preconceived notions, defies our logic and challenges our faith. And yet, when we discover that Jesus Christ is the product, the quotient, the ultimate summation—the purpose for life adds up.

As we approach Christmas, the celebration of the miracle of Christ, I encourage you to embrace God’s mysterious ways. There are many things in this world to cause doubt about God’s love or even His existence. But at this time of the year, hearts seem to be more supple and open to God. As Christians, we have an opportunity to share the reason for our hope. Who will you share Jesus with this Christmas season?

Yes, God’s math is a mystery to me, but I’ll bank on it every time!

How about you?