December 11 What's Happening?

What’s Happening?

Luke 1: 29-30 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.

“YOU have found favor with God.” Uh oh. Something’s up. Have you ever had someone come to you and say, “You’re just the right person for…?” Your first reaction might be, “Now what? I don’t have time for another job or responsibility. Maybe if I don’t say anything, maybe if I play dumb, he’ll go away, and I can go home.” You don’t want any trouble. Keep life simple.

     Mary had no doubt something was up. God’s messenger was talking to her. His appearance stunned her. His greeting disturbed her. Could she have thought, “If God favors me, he must want something. What could he possibly want? Why would God speak to me?”

     Mary knew God’s history. She knew he came to average, even below average people, and asked them to do great things for him. She knew about Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Ruth, Elijah, Nehemiah and all the others. She knew they could be described as a murderer, a prostitute and a scaredy cat. She Knew, too, some of them were very faithful throughout their lives. She knew something else about them. God had asked them to do “impossible” tasks with him.

     That’s why she was troubled. A message from God was life-changing. She wasn’t sure she wanted her life to change.

     Sound familiar?

Prayer: Father God, I pray my mind is open, my ears are listening and I look past my troubled heart to see you call me to the impossible. In Jesus’ name, amen.