Encouragement for Today - Dec. 9, 2008
December 9, 2008
Let It Be With Me Just As You Say
“Yes, I see it all now: I am the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me just as you say.” Luke 1:38 (MSG)
Devotion:
Have you read the Christmas story yet this season? Join me today for a fresh look at this familiar story.
In Luke’s first chapter, he introduces us to a young woman named Mary. We can glean from the gospels that she was an ordinary girl, much like you and me. Scripture tells us she was betrothed to a man named Joseph. Luke does not tell us much about her every day life, but we can beleive one thing...Mary knew and loved God. How do we know this? By the truths taught in her story.
In one moment in time, this ordinary girl who lived an ordinary life came face to face with an extraordinary God. The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with these words: “You will become pregnant and give birth to a Son and call His name Jesus. He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest.’”
Mary asked Gabriel how this would happen since she had never slept with a man. He answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, hover over her, and place the child within her. He then told her, “…the child you bring forth will be called Holy, Son of God.”
Considering the immediate impact this message would have on Mary’s ordinary life – she’d have to explain to her family and her fiancé that she was pregnant – her response is powerful and such a witness for you and me. She told Gabriel, “Yes, I see it now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” How could she have so quickly and easily put aside all that this surprising proclamation would mean and surrender her will to God’s?
How did Mary come to that place? I believe that in her journey up to that point there were many small steps of obedience where she had experienced and witnessed God’s faithfulness. Perhaps places where she said, “Yes, Lord,” even when it was difficult or did not make sense. Choosing to say “yes” on ordinary days prepared her heart to say “yes” on this extraordinary day!
You and I have those ordinary moments in our lives too ... moments that in and of themselves do not seem significant but when weaved together create a heart of obedience. One day God will ask us to trust Him for something extraordinary. Where will our heart be? Will we be ready to say “yes” to God, even when what He is asking seems impossible?
My prayer for you and for me is that we use this day to prepare our hearts for those moments when our extraordinary God will invite us to join Him on an extraordinary journey. Say “yes” to Him today.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are my Savior and Redeemer. I pray I would know and trust You the way Mary did. Would You give me a heart of obedience and help me to say “yes” in the small, every day decisions? In the busyness of this season, please remind me to humble myself before You and hear Your voice. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make Your Presence known in real and powerful ways. Help me to be faithful in the ordinary, and in that, prepare me for the extraordinary. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do you know this extraordinary God? If not, click here to learn more about Him
Pre-order your copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God’s Story by Wendy Blight (available February 2009)
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst
Move Me Aside by Lindsey Kane
Application Steps:
Spend some time alone with God this Christmas season, asking Him to reveal Himself to you in very personal ways. Pray for opportunities to say “yes.” Listen for Him to speak. Expect to hear Him and expect great things to happen as you obey what you hear.
Reflections:
Is something in your life keeping you from saying “yes” to God? Will you trust God with whatever it is? Ask Him to help you surrender it to Him so that you can discover the extraordinary and wonderful things God has in store for your life.
Power Verses:
Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (NIV)
Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (NIV)
© 2008 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
