"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Luke 1:26-31

 December 4

​"In the sixth month 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, 'Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!' But she was greatly troubled at the saying and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 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 bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.'" -Luke 1:26-31 (RSV)

​While we may wish for God's honor and favor, it doesn't automatically mean instant success or fame. His blessing on Mary by granting her the honor of being the mother of the Messiah, first brought pain and rejection. Many ridiculed her. She faced the possibility of being stoned under the law as an unwed mother. Joseph her fiancé came close to abandoning her and breaking their engagement. She had to flee when first pregnant and sought refuge with her relatives Elizabeth and Zechariah. Mary's son would be rejected by many and humiliated and crucified. Yet through her son Jesus, the world's only hope for salvation was born. This is why Mary is foremost among the heroes of our faith and has been revered by multitudes of people.

​God used Mary's courage, bravery, and obedient submission to God's will as part of his greater plan to bring about your salvation and the redemption of the whole world. Heroes can appear in unexpected places. Mary was very young, poor, female, unknown, and without power or fame. These are all realities that would make her seem unusable by God for any major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important missions and acts of obedience he has ever asked of anyone. You may feel your ability, experience, or education makes you an unworthy candidate for God's call to serve. But don't limit God's choices. He can use you just like he has many others if you trust him and realize that nothing is impossible with God. Your faithfulness in hard times can also change our world for the better! God needs you!

​Prayer: God, Please Show me how to serve you better. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: You are invaluable and precious to God.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)