READ: LUKE 1: 26-30
The angel spoke to Mary and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you.” What does it mean to be favored or to be blessed by God? Evidently, it doesn’t mean life will be easy for you, because it certainly wasn’t easy for Mary. Think about her story. She has to explain a mysterious pregnancy to her fiancОe, Joseph. She gives birth in a stable. Afterward, she has to flee to Egypt to escape a murderous king. She sees her son rejected, and later she watches Him die a horrible death on a cross.
It’s clear that to be favored by God does not mean you are going to be immune to the bumps and bruises and broken parts of life. No, Mary was blessed because God had given her an incredible purpose for her life. Even though her life was going to be hard, God made a promise through that angel that He was going to be with her to help her fulfill that purpose. God has a beautiful purpose for your life. It won’t be easy, but God is going to be with you. He will strengthen you and guide you and help you discover and live out His purpose for your life—which is the greatest blessing of all.
The angel spoke to Mary and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you.” What does it mean to be favored or to be blessed by God? Evidently, it doesn’t mean life will be easy for you, because it certainly wasn’t easy for Mary. Think about her story. She has to explain a mysterious pregnancy to her fiancОe, Joseph. She gives birth in a stable. Afterward, she has to flee to Egypt to escape a murderous king. She sees her son rejected, and later she watches Him die a horrible death on a cross.
It’s clear that to be favored by God does not mean you are going to be immune to the bumps and bruises and broken parts of life. No, Mary was blessed because God had given her an incredible purpose for her life. Even though her life was going to be hard, God made a promise through that angel that He was going to be with her to help her fulfill that purpose. God has a beautiful purpose for your life. It won’t be easy, but God is going to be with you. He will strengthen you and guide you and help you discover and live out His purpose for your life—which is the greatest blessing of all.
– Dr. Tim Thompson