Thursday, December 22 – Luke 1:29-30

But she was very perplexed at this statement, and was pondering what kind of greeting this was.  And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

At some time or another, you have probably asked, “Why me?” Usually, this is a negative rhetorical question. We hit a difficult moment in life and ask, “Why me?” Mary was perplexed when she received an encouraging word from the angel Gabriel, calling her the “favored one” (v. 28). In her moment of consideration, the angel assured her that there was nothing to be afraid of. This was not a moment to question “Why me?” or “Are you sure you have the right person?” God knew exactly who He was calling and what He was calling her to.

Like Mary, God has been orchestrating your story. He knows the highs and lows, the baggage you bring, and the hope you have. At times, we may wonder, “Could He really use me?” or “Could He really love me?” These questions often lead us down a path of fear, anxiety, and inadequacy, none of which are things of God. He meets us with His majesty but also meets us where we are, showing us time and again we don’t need to be afraid when we are in Him. As Paul said in Philippians 1:3-6, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”

• Have you ever wondered what God’s purpose is for your life?
• When has God shown you that He can use you?
• Pray and ask God to show you where He is leading you. Ask for His peace as you follow Him.