“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45, NIV
Mary knew her life path had veered into unchartered territory.
I knew Gabriel had visited me and I clearly recalled his pronouncement. It was just so hard to believe God was doing this, and doing it to me! It was also a heart wrenching experience as others mistook my divine assignment for something much less holy and much more ugly.
At moments I was so at peace, so joy-filled, I wanted to serve my God! I wanted to be a vessel for Him.
But, other times, outside my family’s sheltered walls, I could feel the condescending stares and hear the whispers that were anything but quiet as they echoed in my mind.
No, the people were quite good at gossip and my name was not revered as God saw me, but soiled and tarnished and dirty among the people.
And I hadn’t done anything wrong!
God knew.
And I knew He knew. But with my changing body and changing plans I needed somewhere to go, somewhere to get away from it all. Somewhere where someone would understand me.
After the prayers have been whispered and you get up and back into your day- who do you turn to? Who do you trust as you travel your divine assignment?
Mary had a relative that she knew would comprehend what she was enduring: Elizabeth. The angel had even called Elizabeth by name, as one who was miraculously expecting a child of her own.
Mary knew where to go for human companionship that would provide spiritual support and encouragement: to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth confirmed Mary’s divine assignment by her greeting the moment Mary entered her home.
What reassuring bliss to know someone understood.
And, Elizabeth knew about whispers and judgment. She had been subjected to years of judgment herself for supposed sins, which supposedly rendered her barren. Yet, now, in her old age, God had redeemed her infertility.
She knew the heartache Mary must face before the people.
She also knew God was doing a miraculous work, not just in their lives, but for everyone to ever live.
Father God gave me shelter from the gossip storm brewing back home. He also provided confirmation to my weary heart with Elizabeth’s greeting. Her words soothed my very soul.
God used her to give me the courage to hold my head high, even when others whispered shamelessly about me.
With God’s help I would accomplish His divine assignment, trusting Him to provide my needs each step of the way.
Reflections:
Who do I turn to for human comfort? Does that person give godly counsel?
Why is it so important to choose our confidantes carefully?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, How easily overwhelmed I can become by Your assignments. Yet as Mary trusted You, and You always supplied her needs, You want to supply mine. Please help me to discern whom to trust, and may those interactions be glorifying to You. Amen
Thank you for reading! Please return for the next post by Monday, January 11, 2016!