Daily Devotionals
2021
Tuesday, December 21
Paula Hanna
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the events taking place in your life? Mary must have felt that way when suddenly an angel appeared to her. The angel’s words to her might be taken as cause for celebration, since he told Mary that she was highly favored and that the Lord was with her. Yet we are told that Mary was greatly troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. She knew from the Law and the prophets that the appearance of an angel was not something to be taken lightly. The angel’s further instructions to Mary confirmed to her that her task would be difficult, for the Lord was asking her to bear a son while still a virgin. How would she explain such a thing to Joseph, her betrothed? He might cast her off in complete disgrace, perhaps even condemn her to be stoned to death for adultery.
Her answer to the angel demonstrates her faith and her trust in God’s provision. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Her answer is a challenge to all of us to put our hope in the word of the Lord when the events of our life threaten to overcome us. Psalm 103:11 promises us that, “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”
When the events of life seem too much for us, we can trust in all the promises of God’s love and provision for us, as Mary did. We can walk forward with confidence because, as the angel told Mary, “No word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)
Paula has been a member of Park Street Church since 1978. She and her husband Bill lived in Thailand for 36 years working in Bible translation, which they are still able to be a part of here in the U.S. Paula loves spending time with her grown up kids and one grandkid.