SCRIPTURE: The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30 NIV
The first advent of Jesus brought a lot of light into the world, but many people missed it. Light is helpful, even miraculous the way it exposes everything — from the beautiful, to the mundane, to the downright evil. Journey with author and blogger Amy Clemens as she explores the advent of one who said he was the light of the world…a light that shines in darkness…that exposes. A light that will make a second advent, with a power and glory no one will miss.
THOUGHT: If you’ve been reading my devotions a long time, forgive me because you will have heard this theme before: Favor with God doesn’t necessarily mean what we might think – finding favor commonly means things will go smoothly; the word means “kindness” or even “indulgence.”
Favor with God may mean he sees us as capable of doing some very tough work, faithfully, without pushback or complaining. If anyone could complain, it might be Mary, but that is not what emerges as the story unfolds. They say the loss of a child is the most stressful event a human can undergo, perhaps right up there with being full term while riding on a donkey or giving birth in a barn, beside a man you’re not even married to yet. But Mary’s take is, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your words to me be fulfilled (v. 38).”
The good news is that if you find favor with God, you’re capable of doing whatever he asks, even with a good heart. So ask for God’s favor, yes, just don’t be surprised if life takes some unexpected twists and turns, requiring more submission and fewer answers along the way.
PRAYER: Thank you for your favor, Lord, in all the ways you’ve shown it. And thank you for the example of Mary and Joseph, who, considering your will more important than their own, stepped into the torrent that would carry them the rest of their lives, feeling the honor of being part of the great, big story you are telling.
Dear Reader,
I’m glad you’re along and I pray you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith by something you read here.
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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