Messy Miracles

Messy Miracles | 3dlessons4life.com

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β€œThen Mary said to the angel, β€˜How can this be, since I do not know a man?’  And the angel answered and said to her, β€œThe Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” –Luke 1:34-35 (NKJV)

β€œDon’t let them see you cry,” my professor stated sternly as he scribbled his signature on my student teaching form. My well-laid plans to work with a small middle school class had disintegrated due to a scheduling conflict. Instead, I’d stand in front of a large class of rambunctious twelfth graders. I felt like I’d just been asked to swallow an elephant. Why did God allow me to be placed in a role that was beyond my capability?

This was the first of many β€œbigger than me” assignments. I quickly learned that God wasn’t really concerned with my capabilities. All He required was a willing vessel. His glory was best displayed in impossible situations.

When I read the Gospel accounts of Gabriel appearing to Mary, I like to imagine how I would have responded. By all standards, this young virgin girl is an unlikely candidate to help save the world. I am not sure I would have been overjoyed to accept the role of unmarried pregnant girl who will be shamed and possibility stoned by her community. Instead of celebrating her betrothal surrounded by the affirmation of her family, Mary’s life becomes a complicated mess.

God’s ways are so often beyond our limited understanding. Mary moved forward in the direction God was leading with unquestioning surrender. Her acceptance of this painful assignment birthed hope for the entire world.

The Almighty loves to transform messes into miracles. This Christmas, rather than worry about circumstances that are out of our control, we can choose to trust that God is working in unexpected ways. We can purpose to worship and look forward with expectation.

Like Mary, your willingness to partner with God through the messy just might change the world.

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Something to think about…

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8 Comments

  1. Mary’s response never ceases to encourage and inspire me. Wishing you and your family the happiest of Christmas’ and all joy in 2017, Lyli!

  2. Lyli, I love how you brought this down to such a practical level. May we choose to trust God to work in unexpected ways because if that first Christmas should teach us anything, it is truly that our God does His best work in just that manner! xo

  3. SUCH an encouraging post Lyli. Thank you.
    God spoke to me through your words:
    The Almighty loves to transform messes into miracles. This Christmas, rather than worry about circumstances that are out of our control, we can choose to trust that God is working in unexpected ways. We can purpose to worship and look forward with expectation.

    Like Mary, your willingness to partner with God through the messy just might change the world.

  4. “Like Mary, your willingness to partner with God through the messy just might change the world.” Yes, Lyli, so true! We have to be willing to be and do what He wants us to do.

    Blessings to you! Have a wonderful Christmas!

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