“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, the one thing we share in common with Mary is incredulity. The great promises you have made often collide with the impossibilities in our hearts, stories, and world. But the consistent refrain of your Word is, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
Everything you’ve promised, with regard to Jesus, will come to pass—including the redeeming of Jesus’ bride from every nation, and the restoration of the entire cosmos. But your promises also include your work in our lives—your daughters and sons.
As surely as you placed the life of Jesus in Mary, you have done the same for us. Though in an entirely different way than Mary, we too are “pregnant with glory” (Rom. 8:18-27). You will, most definitely, complete your “good work” in our lives (Phil. 1:6). Christ is being formed in us (Gal. 4:19). One Day we will be as lovely and as loving as Jesus (1 Jn. 3:1-1). Hallelujah! Soon, please Lord, soon.
But well before that Day, you are at work in this day as well. When we “blow it” royally, you love us radically. When we humble ourselves before you, you pour copious amounts of grace on us. Not because we deserve it or could earn such affection, but because you are a God rich in mercy, abounding in grace.
When we feel estranged from your love and all hope—you are nearer than our next breath and new bit of bad news. When Satan would take us down, you remind us that you have raised us up in Jesus. When we, like Jonah, would run away, you out run us. When we want to give up, you remind us you gave Jesus up for us. Thank you, Father, THANK you. So very Amen we pray in Jesus’ exalted name.
