Finding Hope...In God's Preparation
Fourth Week of Advent
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
by Stuart Meyer on December 19, 2022
God spoke to Mary through an angel, first telling her not to fear, then explaining how He would work in her life and in the world. God was at work preparing for the birth of His Son, Jesus, to save mankind.
Mary didn’t understand the plan, so she asked for clarification and then trusted God. Her attitude of humility allowed her to honor the Lord and His plans for her life. He knew everything about her, and she was highly favored. God was preparing Mary to become an integral piece of His plan to bring salvation to the world.
How about you? Has God ever called you into a life change? Were you fearful? Or excited? Or both? Did you have questions? Remember that God always prepares us for what He calls us to do.
Through prayer, God called me to get my doctorate in traumatology. As I was retiring after 30 years of working with young children with special needs, I didn’t see myself going back to school. The Lord prepared me by giving me a passion for young children who had experienced trauma and by giving me insight into their developmental delays. I trusted God’s plans and began the process of taking classes and learning. As the Lord leads, His plans for my life and career will unfold to glorify Himself. He has and will continue to prepare me for the next season of life.
Do you fear? Are you fearful as to how your life will continue to unfold? Or are you experiencing the fullness of the love of God, resting in His love for you? Love can cast out all fear (I John 4:18). He indeed will prepare you for whatever your future holds.
Mary trusted and believed that God’s plans were good, and not to be feared. He prepared her for what was to come. God will do the same for you. God makes the way, preparing you for His plans.
Listen and He will give you directions. He will give you a friend like Elizabeth. He will prepare you with right thinking, giftings, and specific direction. We can rest in the Hope that He is the One at work in and through us. Nothing is impossible through Him.
Even saving mankind through the life, death, and resurrection of a Babe.
Praise you, Jesus. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby to save us. Prepare my heart for Christmas as you lead me to love others well. May your word be fulfilled in me!
Further Reflection: In what ways have you seen God at work preparing you for a task He has assigned for you?
Additional Reading: Mark 1:1-13