By: Jeff Feuerstein
Originally published: December 14, 2021
Begin with 2 minutes of Silence
Scripture
Luke 1:35-38 (NLT)
35The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37For the word of God will never fail.”
38Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Devotional Thoughts
God’s gifts, and our giving, are often more disruptive or challenging to our plans than we expect...
I imagine there was both delight and dismay for Mary and Elizabeth to process their unexpected pregnancies, two miracle babies, one waited for a lifetime, one for generations. Even the Angels hint at the shock from friends and family at the news. Yet they had each other for support amidst the disruption these pregnancies likely had on their lives. The Lord in His wisdom provided the relationships to come in this foursome for the gift of mutual love and support.
While these precious children were destined to embody God’s plan to deliver his love and purpose likely delighted these mother’s hearts, I’m pretty sure over the years things often did not go according to their expectations, as they raised these long hoped for sons! They had the privilege of learning how to give to John the Baptist and Jesus the Son of God as mothers!
George MacDonald shared thoughts along these lines in one of his novels...“The one secret of life and development is not to devise and plan, but to fall in with the forces at work—to do every moment's duty aright—that being the part in the process allotted to us; and let come— not what will, for there is no such thing—but what the eternal Thought wills for each of us, and has intended in each of us from the first.”
Questions for Reflection
Giving and receiving amidst disruptions often present challenges and blessings. How can your relationships help you see His good gifts at work among us as you stop listen or wait to see things from His perspective? Can you remember times when the it seemed “the power of the Most High” overshadowed you and what kind of good gifts that led to?
What challenges or disruptions in your life might God be working in you to help you see new ways to give and receive good gifts or grow in life giving ways to serve others in this season?
Prayer
God, inspire us by seeing your gifts alive and at work among us. Help us remember your gift of new life and grace to keep giving amidst disruptions and changes in our plans. Whether in our family or vocation or community relationships help us see what you are doing and help us connect with people n faith, hope, and love from you, in Jesus’ name.
End with 2 minutes of silence
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