punishment. Mary faced a lot of
consequences from Joseph, her
family, her community. Yet, as scared
as she had to be, her reaction when
she was first visited by the angel
reflects how she handled everything
that was to come: “Mary responded,
‘I am the Lord’s servant. May
everything you have said about me
come true.’ And then the angel left
her.” Luke 1:38, NLT.
• She didn’t waste time. When the
angel first delivered the news that
she would conceive the “Son of the
Most High,” Luke 1 records that Mary
was “confused and disturbed.”
There’s an understatement! Despite
the emotions and questions, it goes
on to say that in a few days, she
hurried to Elizabeth. The angel told
Mary that Elizabeth was expecting,
even though she was old. Mary went
and not only learned that it was true,
but that the prophesy was in motion
for her. Mary went to praise God for
keeping His Word. For His favor.
When I feel the Holy Spirit’s nudge to
forgive someone, pray, give when
the funds are low, it takes me time.
Like Eve, my sin is I don’t believe God
is enough. What if His word, His
promises don’t come to pass?
Sounds crazy, but I’ve dragged my
feet for the very same excuses.
Perhaps you did, too. Mary? Her
agreement was immediate. Her trip
to Elizabeth was fast. Her praise
when she had visual proof everything
the angel said was true?
Instantaneous.
• She had a mentor. It’s tempting for
us to pursue independence. We fear
criticism and rejection. We’re afraid
if we ask for help the other person
won’t have the time. I believe one of
the reasons I’m on earth is to
encourage others. Mentoring is so
important, and Mary and Elizabeth
are a great example. Elizabeth had a
lot of life experience, it says in Luke
that she was older. She was married,
and expecting. All of these things
were seasons of life Mary could use
Godly counsel in. Their example is
one we should emulate.
This Christmas season, the focus
definitely needs to be on Jesus.
However, I think as we live to be
more like Him, we can also learn a lot
from Mary’s life.
Julie is an author and speaker
encouraging you to find freedom
through surrender and chocolate.
She is the author of the
surrendered time series - the first
two books, Entrusted and
Entangled
are available now.
Visit her at www.juliearduini.com
Image: www.freebibleimages.com
JASMINE'S PLACE
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