Magnify the Lord! – Luke 1:45

I am sure Mary’s plans for her future, her upcoming marriage, and future family “unravelled” with the Gabriel’s words.

The journey from the stable to the cross was not a typical women’s “bucket list” of expectations. God’s plan would require Mary’s obedience (without her full understanding of  how it was all going to work out ) and her surrendered trust. As she stepped out in faith to visit her cousin Elizabeth, she proclaimed her belief in God’s sovereign Providence  “ For the Mighty One has done great things for me” She gave God the glory and rejoiced in Him! ” My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”

Are we willing to surrender our often ‘tightly held” plans for our futures, our children to the God who is Faithful and Trustworthy?

How do we react when our expectations are dashed and life’s circumstances look more like a “stable” than a “palace in Jerusalem?”

Can we magnify the Lord and step into that “calling”, that road of humility and pain? Can we trust God’s purpose in our crosses?

As Christmas draws near it is so easy to want to see a “Hallmark” story and miss the wonder of God at work in the difficult, inconvenient, painful areas of life as well as the miraculous joy filled blessings.

Lord,

Lord help me come to you with a surrendered heart and a humble spirit!  Give me the strength to be willing to “walk” where you lead and glorify you, trusting that you will fulfill your word and your promises! As I parent, keep me mindful of the work that You do in the “hard places” and “difficult circumstances” so that I can be an example like Mary of a parent who “has believed in the Lord and magnified Him!”

Amen