Key Thoughts and Scriptures:
Luke 1:29-31 NIV Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
Angels who brought Lot and his family out of Sodom
The angel who stood before Balaam in order to kill him
Also, the angel who brought plague on Israel
- Whenever angels entered the scene big, life altering things happened.
- The unknown is at the heart of most fear.
- The Greek word translated “favor” here is charis, which speaks of grace and kindness.
- Gabriel was telling Mary, “You have God’s grace and kindness on you, so do not fear.”
- In Scripture the Lord says the same thing to us!
Romans 5:1-3 NIV Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand…
- By faith we have access to God’s kindness, which is the same yesterday, today and forever! Therefore, we can trust God completely with the unknowns of our lives.
- “Did God say” is often used to sow doubt in our minds and shake our faith.
God did not take offense that Mary needed assurance.
Mark 9:15-29 NIV …But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”…
- If you struggle with doubting God or His promises, be honest with Him! Ask for His help!
- And spend time reading the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
John 20:30-31 NIV Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
- The more you know Christ, the stronger your faith will grow!
Instead of focusing on the unknowns, Mary focused on what she did know, proclaiming the goodness and provision of God in her life!
Luke 1:46-55 NLT “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones… brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands… helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
- When we declare the goodness and faithfulness of God out loud with our mouths, our spirit rises up and faith with it.
Psalm 103 NIV Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…
- When you focus on God, you’ll find that fear of the unknown will dissipate, doubt will fade away and faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness will rise up. And you’ll experience the peace and favor of God.
Luke 2:14 NIV “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
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