Scripture to Read: Luke 1:42-45
Elizabeth declares with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women.” Indeed Mary was blessed, for she had chosen to believe God’s Word (Luke 1:44) from the archangel Gabriel. We, too, were “blessed” abundantly when we decided to believe God’s Truth of who Christ is, and we surrendered completely to Him. We were “blessed” to receive everything God offers to every believer. We received and continue to receive the fullness of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, and everything else God has for us. We also received God Himself, because His Holy Spirit came to live in us, and He has sealed us for all eternity as belonging to God as one of His children. Mary was also blessed because she was carrying our Lord and King. Mary was given an awesome privilege, but Mary was also given an enormous responsibility. Now, before we over-think her responsibility, God was still in complete control and would guide and direct Mary, and of course, Joseph, as they raised Jesus. That is what God does for us as well. God directs our lives and guides us through His Holy Spirit in us. What God desires from us is that we passionately pursue Him and His Word daily, so we clearly hear Him and choose to walk in obedience to what He shows us each day. God is continually working in us (Philippians 2:13), so if we’re missing His will, it’s because we’re not pursuing His Word and listening to Him. We must do this to enjoy His blessing each day.
Challenge & Application
When you consider how blessed you are, with all God has done and continues to do for you, how is that impacting the way you live daily? If you’re struggling to hear God, what needs to change in your daily life in order for that to change?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!