Have you ever paused to reflect on Mary’s faith-filled heart?
Luke 1:30-31 says, “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (NIV)"
Mary had favor with God, but from the outside looking in, her life did not appear favorable! She became pregnant by the Spirit of God - not her husband. She gave birth in a stable meant for dirty animals – not in a sanitized, medically advanced hospital. She was warned by Simeon that her child would cause a sword to pierce her very soul. (Luke 2:35) Ouch!
I don’t know about you, but this doesn’t sound like God’s favor to me until I understand Mary’s faithfulness.
Mary didn’t try to manipulate, control, or rearrange the staggering plans God had for her life. She chose to humbly submit to God’s will despite the obstacles she was told she’d face. Mary chose to trust that her acts of obedience carried purpose that spanned beyond her understanding. She didn’t fearfully tip-toe around her calling, she faithfully walked in partnership with God toward her calling.
God always has the bigger picture in mind when He asks us to follow Him. If you’ve been faithful and find yourself in a less than favorable circumstance, take heart. Receiving Jesus means we receive His resources. He gives us the ability to do things we otherwise couldn’t do on our own when we rely on Him.
Like Mary, God may use our courageous acts of faithfulness to inspire generations to come.
Will you trust Him to lead you today?
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