A God of Hope
I love the holiday season! The start of December marks the Advent season, a time of preparation and joy as we look forward to Christmas and the coming of Christ. Many Christians mark the start of this season by reading the book of Luke leading up to Christmas, and I have joined this tradition again this year.
I am always amazed by the details that were recorded long ago. In the very first chapter, we are introduced to many notable figures, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Joseph and Mary, the angel Gabriel, John, and, of course, Jesus. Through reading Luke, we get a front row seat to the beautiful way that their lives interconnected to bring to fruition God’s miracle plan of salvation.
Within the first chapter, we witness two miracles:
The first we see with Elizabeth. She was an older woman who could not have a child; however, she conceives a son, John, that would eventually prepare a way for Jesus.
The second was with Mary. Mary was a virgin, and yet God used her to conceive His son, Jesus.
Both women’s stories display hope, but I want to focus on Mary for just a moment. Her response to finding out that she would conceive the Son of God is always intriguing to me.
In Luke chapter one, we read:
“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has conceived a son, and this is the six month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” - Luke 1:34-38 ESV (bold emphasis added)
I love that she asked a question. Many times, I find myself feeling that I shouldn’t ask God questions. I shouldn’t ask “why” or “how.” But Mary teaches us differently. She shows us that it is okay to ask the questions that are on our hearts.
By asking this, Mary receives one of the most hope-giving answers – “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Do I think that Mary fully understood what was about to happen when provided with this answer? Absolutely, not. However, her response was all that was needed – “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Her response indicates her trust in God.
“You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
REFLECTION: Take a moment to reflect on your own circumstances. Are you walking through a unusual season and have questions? It’s okay to go to God in prayer and ask your questions. Though we may not understand all that is going on around us, He hears our prayers, and we can be encouraged in knowing that He works together for good all those that love Him.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for making a way for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. Though we may not understand all that we are walking through in this moment, may we experience your perfect peace in this season and be encouraged by the fact that nothing is impossible for You. We praise You, and we welcome Your presence this holiday season. Amen.
I am always amazed by the details that were recorded long ago. In the very first chapter, we are introduced to many notable figures, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Joseph and Mary, the angel Gabriel, John, and, of course, Jesus. Through reading Luke, we get a front row seat to the beautiful way that their lives interconnected to bring to fruition God’s miracle plan of salvation.
Within the first chapter, we witness two miracles:
The first we see with Elizabeth. She was an older woman who could not have a child; however, she conceives a son, John, that would eventually prepare a way for Jesus.
The second was with Mary. Mary was a virgin, and yet God used her to conceive His son, Jesus.
Both women’s stories display hope, but I want to focus on Mary for just a moment. Her response to finding out that she would conceive the Son of God is always intriguing to me.
In Luke chapter one, we read:
“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has conceived a son, and this is the six month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” - Luke 1:34-38 ESV (bold emphasis added)
I love that she asked a question. Many times, I find myself feeling that I shouldn’t ask God questions. I shouldn’t ask “why” or “how.” But Mary teaches us differently. She shows us that it is okay to ask the questions that are on our hearts.
By asking this, Mary receives one of the most hope-giving answers – “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Do I think that Mary fully understood what was about to happen when provided with this answer? Absolutely, not. However, her response was all that was needed – “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Her response indicates her trust in God.
“You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
REFLECTION: Take a moment to reflect on your own circumstances. Are you walking through a unusual season and have questions? It’s okay to go to God in prayer and ask your questions. Though we may not understand all that is going on around us, He hears our prayers, and we can be encouraged in knowing that He works together for good all those that love Him.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for making a way for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. Though we may not understand all that we are walking through in this moment, may we experience your perfect peace in this season and be encouraged by the fact that nothing is impossible for You. We praise You, and we welcome Your presence this holiday season. Amen.
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