Luke 1:26-28 (New American Standard Bible)
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
I often wonder what must have gone through the mind of Mary as she received this word from the angel Gabriel. She most likely would have been a sophomore or junior in high school if this story took place in modern society. I often reflect on the gravity of what she is being told. She was chosen by God to carry the Son of God and raise Him as her Son on this earth. She was betrothed to be married and would become pregnant before ever consummating her marriage or knowing Joseph intimately.
Fear naturally would have filled her heart. What would Joseph say? How would Joseph respond? What would people say in society around her as they would watch a woman who is not yet married become pregnant? But in all this the Lord comforted her with the words “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you”
There is so many times in scripture that God says to His servants to not be afraid. Fear is one of the great weapons of Satan to try to destroy and paralyze the purposes of God. But Mary’s response was that of a servant. She willingly surrendered to the will of God. She didn’t ask God a million questions of how all of this would come about. Ultimately God chose Mary because of her heart. He knew that when this commission came to her that she would surrender to the will and purpose of God. Mary was essential in the coming of the Messiah.
When we think about our own lives and the calling and anointing God has given us, we may be fearful of what we sense the Lord is leading us to do. We live in days in which things continue to become more and more anti-Christian every single day. But amid every challenge and trial we must know that God’s grace rest upon us and He is always with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
We must let go of fear and worry. We must not be ruled by fear, but instead we must walk and do all things with faith. If we are truly walking by faith our eyes are fixed on Jesus and even though we can’t see nor understand what God is doing, we know He is faithful to fulfill every plan and purpose because of His word. Time and time again He has demonstrated that regardless of the gravity of the commission or call, that He is the one who accomplishes His will and purpose through His people. He simply calls us to surrender to His will.
Prayer
Father help me in my weakness and my fear. Help me to overcome the assaults of the enemy and to trust you at all times. I pray my heart and life would be yielded to your will. I pray you would help me to rely on your grace and follow the leading of The Holy Spirit. Father thank you for your goodness and love and that you choose to use broken vessels. May my life glorify and honor you and ultimately may all glory be given to Jesus. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection
1. What has God called you to do?
2. What causes you the greatest fear when you think about the call and anointing of God on your life?
3. Do you truly believe that all things are possible with Jesus?
4. Have you allowed fear to imprison you and master you?
Comments