36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
God is so good. Mary has been asked to trust in the presence of God to bring about a pregnancy which will result in Jesus’ birth. But God has provided a boost for Mary’s faith. Her relative Elizabeth has been unable to have children, and now she is old. But she is now pregnant. God has enabled her to have a child. What people thought was impossible, God made possible. And more than that, God made it actual! It is one thing to acknowledge that God is able to do something and a giant leap forward when God actually does it. God has the ability to intervene in history and God did intervene. This intervention in Elizabeth’s life helped seal Mary’s faith. She had wondered about the how, and now God gives her an answer to another “how” question. No one thought Elizabeth could have a baby. They had been trying for years, and now she is too old to have a child. But God overcame the “how” obstacle. Is God calling you to do something that is outside your understanding of “how”? You have tried to figure out the details, but you keep coming up short. But you know God has called you to accomplish the task, even though you don’t have the resources to accomplish it. If you are sure it is God leading, then God will supply each step of the way. Just as Mary went to Elizabeth and enjoyed the birth of John the Baptist, so God wants you to step out and experience God’s provision. Don’t let your inability to envision God’s every step limit what God wants to do in and through you. Mary’s response was a response of submission. She said in essence, “OK. Whatever you want to do is OK by me.” Are you willing to let go and allow God to do His work in your life?
The Arnold Journey 