“The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’” (Luke 1:26-28).
The angel then made an incredible announcement:
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High” (1:30-32).
Mary was a simple girl from an obscure village. Living in a male-dominated culture, she had few expectations in life beyond becoming a good wife and mother.
So imagine how strange this encounter must have been for her.
The angel told her that she had found favor with God but very little in her life reflected favor of any kind. That, however, was all about to change!
Many of us are like Mary.
We would like to see our circumstances transformed — a troubled child finding purpose in Christ, a tense marriage restored to its former joy.
We would also like to see a different spiritual reality in the world around us.
When Mary began to understand the magnitude of God’s promise to her, she sang a song of gratitude and praise:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed” (1:46:48).
The visitation from the angel was not some emotional, one-time event for Mary.
No, it was a binding reality and her life was changed forever.
Likewise, when you find God’s favor, it does not result in just an emotional turnaround.
God births something new in your life, completely changes your course, and stirs a new song within your soul.
Today, you may think God is nowhere to be found, but his favor is on you!
He is conceiving something new, transforming your trial into his glory.
He has his hand over you, so trust him with your heart, your family, your situation — and you will see his glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment