Advent Devotionals: Day 25

Has the Lord ever asked the impossible from you? And if so, how did you respond? Listed below are some of his commands and potentially some of your responses:

• "Love your neighbor..." But you responded "Lord, he's growing something that looks illegal in his upstairs bedroom and his dog barks in the backyard all night long!"

• "Abstain from lusting..." But you responded "Lord, just how can I do that? Have you seen what women are wearing these days?"

• "Treasure up My Word in your heart..." But you responded, "Lord, when can I find time to do that? There's my job, my kids, Facebook to check...and my favorite program is on at 10...and I have to get some sleep!"

In Luke 1, God asks something seemingly impossible of a couple of young people (at least one still a teenager) in Nazareth two thousand years ago. Think about what the Lord had just asked of this poor peasant teenager, who has saved herself for marriage and is engaged to an honorable guy. “You're a virgin, but you're going to be pregnant, even though you haven't been with a man. The baby is a boy, and by the way. He will be the Messiah - the Promised One, Son of God, Ruler of the Universe."

These might be some thoughts running through her mind: "How can I raise the Son of God? Will my parents believe me? Will Joseph believe me? People will think of me as untouchable! I'll be shunned. I may be stoned."

But this was her response: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord let it be to me according to your word."

God didn't leave Mary or Joseph to carry their burdens alone, and we don't have to carry ours alone either. Jesus Christ carries our burdens for us. He carried them on His cross to Calvary. He has given us the Holy Spirit and promised to always be with us. He has paid the price for all of our unbelief and offers us forgiveness. Our response to His requests should be nothing less than Mary's.

Prayer: Lord, You did not come to me with angels, but through Your Holy Spirit and Your Word. Give me strength to believe and accept Your plan for my life. Your will in my life is more powerful than any needs, desires, or plans I may have. Use me in whatever way You see fit to accomplish Your good purposes. Amen.