In the first chapter of the gospel of Luke, we find the good news of a divine interruption of to the ordinary through humble participation of a young, devoted Jewish girl named Mary. Through it we get a glimpse into the immaculate conception of the Christ child we know as Jesus. Most likely Mary would have known plenty about the expectation of a coming Messiah, but did Mary really know all that would unfold with this child?
When I think of Mary’s willingness to believe God and participate in this divine interruption to her life, I am inspired. Though the life of faith is full ups and downs, it consist of both the mundane and mysterious. Faith invites us to step into the unknown by yielding to an occupation of the Divine. It requires that we believe, submit and lean into the discomfort of learning new ways to navigate life that seem counterintuitive to our normal sense of control. Yet like Mary, it may well take us in a direction that leads to discovery of greater purpose and a sense of destiny for our lives.
Practicing the fundamentals of both routine and risky expressions of our faith are necessary for developing a heart of worship and honor to God. Like practicing scales on the piano, or free throw shots on the basketball court, it is no different with our faith.This kind of living creates the muscle memory needed to see, hear, and experience potential “God moments.”
This Christmas season, may you be inspired by Mary’s humility, devotion, and willingness to recognize and embrace a divine interruption. Her life was changed forever and it altered human history. I pray you would be strengthened to trust God for your future, and be encouraged to believe God for the seemingly impossible things He can do when we simply trust and obey.
Unto Him,
Pastor Dusty
Listen to the song “Mary Did You Know?” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbysUxwQqNQ
Luke 1:36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her.
Hebrews 11:1-3 NLT Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Romans 5:1-2 NLT 5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.