Devotion
Mary’s big surprise
David Jacobs

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37) How lucky we are to know the Lord? In turbulent times it can be easy to forget just how lucky we are. Put yourself in Mary's shoes: she is a virgin, in a relationship with Joseph, and is pregnant...not the ideal circumstances to say the least! What can she say to Joseph? Why would he believe her? How is it possible that she is pregnant? What is she going to do? Luckily for us, Mary and Joseph had the courage to follow God's plan. If God spoke to us today, would we also have this strength?

Think about a challenge in your own life: why do you view it as a challenge and not a gift? I am reminded of a story that I read in the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: a young woman has children, the youngest a boy that is unable to walk. In a group therapy session, she bemoans her plight in life, wondering why God has done this to her and her child. Another woman in the group, single and without children, is asked to imagine her life as an old woman. The woman says she would consider her life a failure because she has no family of her own. Upon hearing this, the woman with the paralyzed child changed her mindset, realizing that she wanted to have children and that she loved her son and he loved her. Just from hearing one story from another person, she was able to change her perception from a burden to a blessing. Mary and Joseph did the same, and we should do all that we can to follow their example.

Prayer

Holy Shepard and Heavenly Father, I pray that you help me to set my mind at ease as you did with Mary and Joseph. Help me to open my heart and realize that every person, relationship, and moment is a blessing. Lord, I ask that you fortify my soul for your doing and recognize your call when you come. Amen.