Countdown to Christmas: 12 Days to Prepare Your HeartSample

The Plan Unveiled

“How?”

God has heard this question millions of times, in millions of ways, from millions of people.

“How do I handle this?”

“How can I make this right?”

“How will You use this for good?”

Mary asks this same question when God’s plan is revealed to her by the angel Gabriel.

“How will this be?”

The answer is unchanging.

“The Holy Spirit…”

“The power of the Most High…”

“The Holy One…”

Mary chose to rely on the Holy Spirit, to trust in the power of God, and to invite Jesus into her very being.

We all face this same choice when we are asking the age-old question, “How?”

Will we, like Mary, choose to believe, to accept, to trust?

The plans of God do not always follow our expectations. And it can be hard to embrace them when it feels as though they are going to upend our lives, our comfort, and our plans.

Take heart from this Scripture! God’s plans may not fit our expectations, but they can be trusted. God is good, He is faithful, He loves us, and His plans are purposed for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him.

Mary’s response to God’s call and the unveiling of His plan was a surrendered “Yes.”

Reflect: What can we learn from Mary in trusting God?

Pray: Thank you, God, that I can rely on you. May your plans for me be fulfilled.