How to remain Faithful to God during the unexpected, confusing and difficulties of life.
“ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:26-38
I am fairly certain that there are few moments that could be as confusing or surprising as this one was for Mary. Imagine what she was thinking at that moment. While she was certain of her innocence, would everyone else be? Matthew 1:18-19 reveals that even her fiancé Joseph planned to divorce her over this. In these days of Jewish society, there were serious ramifications for a woman being pregnant out of wedlock and even more for an adulterous woman. But even knowing this verse 45 shows the state of Mary’s heart.
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
While this passage may show evidence of the accuracy of this revelation given to Mary from the Angel, she had to choose to believe, have faith, and trust in the words spoken to her.
Where is your faith during the moments –maybe not like this, but moments of doubt, fear, frustration, and uncertainty? How do we remain steadfast and anchored faithfully in God and His promises?
The answer...
We remember the nature and attributes of a Holy God.
In this passage we read that “The Lord is with you.” (vs.28) and that “Nothing is impossible with.” (vs. 37)
But in the verses, we see so much more.
We see God’s favor, presence, sovereignty, power, and faithfulness –themes that are clearly seen all throughout the Bible.
So, when life has you blindsided, overwhelmed, scared, and confused remember that God does not tell us that blessed is the one who understands it all…. No, instead it says, “blessed is she who believed.”
The best way to know God is to spend time with Him. Read His Word, memorize it, and meditate on His Divine, Perfect, and Holy Nature. Surrender is surrender… understanding or not.
Below you will find some verses to meditate on. And in the chaos of this life, be reminded of who God is.
GOD IS ETERNAL:
"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
Psalm 90:2
GOD’S POWER IS UNLIMITED:
"'Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Jeremiah 32:17
GOD IS UNCHANGING:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
James 1:17
GOD IS GOOD:
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8
GOD IS LOVE:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
GOD IS HOLY:
"And one called to another and said:
'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Isaiah 6:3
GOD IS FAITHFUL:
"For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:5
And we can trust and never doubt this because we know that God is perfect and so is His Word. Take so time to rest in Him today and allow His truths to wash over you and bring comfort and healing to your weary soul.
Read the Previous August Posts!
Week 1: Passage Study: Don't Miss the Moments
Week 2: 3 Things to Remember When Life Makes Little Sense
PRAY WITH ME
Dear Jesus,
In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, I believe and trust that you are still God and you are still good. My faith remains planted firmly in You because You are the Creator of the Universe! You are perfect, You are Holy, and You are worthy of all of my trust and praise. I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering presence. You are my source of joy, peace, and strength. Today, I lift up my struggles and uncertainties to You, knowing that You are greater than every bit of it. I pray for the perseverance to stand strong and continue down the path of surrender to Your will for my life even when the road ahead seems unclear. Help me to remember that because of who you are, I can always trust that Your plans are higher than mine, and Your ways are far great and at times beyond my understanding.
When doubts arise, life is heavy, and my heart feels weary, remind me of Your unchanging promises found in Your Word. May these truths anchor my soul in you day by day and moment by moment.
Grant me courage and resilience to face the challenges now and the ones to come knowing that my strength to endure it all comes only from You. And as you strengthen me, I pray that you would use all of the moments of my celebrations and trials to bring honor and glory to You.
Today Lord, I fix my eyes on You, the author and perfecter of my faith.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
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