DESTINY
Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.
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 how God also 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 1:30)
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 and meditating on it
finding just what is needed to lift our waning 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 commitment?
“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 favor.
Maybe your gift is encouragement
for everyone needs reinforcement.
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,
perhaps 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” today.
This is your destiny
for all eternity.
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.
Luke 1:38
I tell you, do not worry about your life...
Matthew 6:25
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 prophesy,
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
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
* If your spirit is waning, start by reading Psalm:
David cried, the Lord heard...
David prayed, the Lord answered...
David sighed, the Lord listened...
each and every time.
David praised his God, he sang about his Lord, he recorded his thoughts rather they were confident or questioning.
Take note of David’s communication with God, put into practice, and you’ll find your spirit will lift.
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