Will You Believe God?

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 ESV

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
 For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
______________________________

You remember what we read about Zechariah?
Zechariah did not believe God.

Luke 1:18
How shall I know this?

Even though God’s message was announced by an angel,
what was said to him seemed altogether incredible.

Contrast this with Mary.
When Gabriel came to Mary she was presented with
a similar unbelievable circumstance.
She was told that she was going to have a baby.
Elizabeth was pregnant late in life when barren.
But Mary was pregnant before ever having been with a man.
Mary displayed confidence in her Lord.
Although I’m sure she was scared and apprehensive about what
was happening she knew she could trust her God.

Luke 1:38
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord;  
let it be to me according to your word.”

Mary had faith.
So she could move ahead in obedience to her Lord.

TAKING GOD’S WORD TO HEART

God may have given you some heavy circumstances.
The only thing He asks of you is to walk in faith and obey Him,
trusting that He is faithful and that He can do it.

There really wasn’t anything extraordinary about Mary.
Except her faith. Her faith and obedience to God.
Will you have Mary’s faith?

Will you join with Mary and thank Him for all He has done
and thank Him in advance for all He is going to do?

MEDITATE or MEMORIZE

Write out the following passage from Luke 1 and recite it 3 times.
Take it with you throughout the day.

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”

PRAYER

Lord God, please increase my faith.
Help me to walk forward in faith and obedience.

In His hands for His glory,

Laurie
_____________________________