In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.
Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,
was visited by an angel on earth.
It's true. That's how it really was.
The angel acknowledged Mary as:
"You who are highly favored." (Luke 1:28)
That's also how God sees us - favored.
Loved, chosen, fortunate.
As in His favorite.
Yes, even before you were born,
God had your destiny formed.
The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled
and immediately consoled her with these words:
"Do not be afraid.
You have found favor with God." (Luke 1:20)
You know, God knows, too, when we are worried
as scripture reminds us often with these words:
Do not be afraid.
Do not be terrified.
Do not be troubled.
Do not be discouraged.
Do not be fainthearted (with sorrow).
Do not worry about tomorrow.
Because God knows the fear in our hearts,
His word will strengthen us when we start
a daily routine of reading it
with just what is needed to lift our spirit.
The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son
whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.
This baby would be the Son of the Most High,
he would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)
When Mary questioned
the angel answered,
"nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)
Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.
What was Mary's statement?
"I am the Lord's servant." (Luke 1:38)
She willingly carried out her destiny,
one that affects everyone's eternity.
Mary, chosen to be
mother to this baby
that would change the destiny of the world
with this greatest story ever told.
* * * * *
You too, have a chosen destiny within you
for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.
Perhaps you have the gift of giving
to someone in the need of receiving.
You've learned that the more you give
the more blessings God in turn gives
so that you can bless others more
from God's wonderfully abundant store.
Maybe your gift is encouragement
for everyone needs encouragement.
If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,
perhaps your encouragement made it so.
And you'll find cheerfulness
is quite contagious
as others will offer needed encouragement
often in the form of a hug or a note sent.
Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,
it is your destiny to bring it to pass.
Your destiny will affect generations after you.
Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.
Will you be like Mary and say,
"I am the Lord's servant" everyday.
This is your destiny
for all eternity.
I tell you, do not worry about your life...
Matthew 6:25
I am the Lord's servant.
Luke 1:38
Do not be anxious about anything...
Philippians 4:6
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
If a man's gift is prophesying,
let him use it in proportion to his faith.
If it is serving, let him serve;
if it is teaching, let him teach;
if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others,
let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
Encourage one another
and build each other up.
I Thessalonians 5:11
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
II Thessalonians 2:16-17
To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II
go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.
To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I
go to Amazon or B&N.
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