I keep wondering what it would take to be called a “favored” woman as the Virgin Mary was. As a young Catholic I idolized her, and years (and years and years) later, I am still fascinated by her story. If we are all sinners (and we definitely are) how can any woman be called blessed? Who could ever be considered “favored by God?”
Elizabeth discipled Mary with ONE phrase that belongs to every woman who believes:
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
(Luke 2:45)
That the Messiah was about to come into the world was something Mary had both heard taught from the synagogue and prayed about herself. She was waiting just as Anna (Luke 2) had done. Faithful women talked about, prayed about, and waited on the Messiah. What confused her was the angel’s announcement that she would be the mother of the Savior. An unknown virgin girl raised in a no-where small village could not possibly bear the Son of God! But indeed, that was God’s plan.
- God sets the impossible in motion.
- God brings the impossible about according to His will and timing.
God wants you to know with confidence: His promises will come true within YOU if you dare to believe. Hope, healing, compassion, understanding, encouragement, and provision will come to you.
- You are “favored” because He created you as a favored woman – not because of any qualifications or any other reason.
- You are “blessed” because you believe He will do in you and through you what He says in His word, no matter how impossible it may sound.
- You will succeed in God’s will through His provision.
Wrap some presents today with a great big smile, one that says to the world, “I am a blessed woman!” Because you truly are….
Expecting Amazing this Christmas!
Diane Strack
PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, we sing and pray in wonder at the true narratives of the Bible that tell us “God can do anything, you know, more than you can ask or imagine…” (Eph 3:20) Christmas shouts this to us all, and I pray today for consistent faith to believe beyond what I can see or hear. I pray for a heart that will readily say, “Let it be to me according to your will.” Please do a work in me through your Holy Spirit, beyond anything I can imagine. Thank you for letting me be a part of your plan as I live on this earth. My heart is yours.” Amen.