Post by forgiven on Mar 22, 2005 5:09:52 GMT -5
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Joshua 7-9, Luke 1:21-38
Key Verse: Luke 1:38
Smooth sailing is preferred over rough seas;
paved roads over potholes. But sometimes the
rough seas and potholes are by God's design to
accomplish His purpose. At that point, the
follower of Christ must decide whether to follow
God in the tough times or not.
Mary experienced a time that was difficult by
design. These verses record part of her
predicament: an unexpected pregnancy. Imagine as
best you can the full emotion of the situation.
She, an unmarried virgin, was asked to have a
baby. Undoubtedly she would become the object of
much doubt and ridicule. The truth would be too
unimaginable for people to believe. She would
bear the shame. In Matthew's account, it is noted
that Joseph even considered divorcing her (1:19).
Yet Mary's attitude was remarkable. She said to
the angel, "May it be to me as you have said" (v.
38). Her statement revealed her character. She
was ready to endure the doubt and ridicule. God's
work was more important to her than her
reputation.
Following God will take you down rough roads at
times. Sometimes you'll be tempted to find the
easier path. The best road to travel, however, is
always the one of God's choosing.
Are you on the right path, doing God's will? When
the way is rough, pray like Mary did,
surrendering to God's work in your life.
____________________________________________________________
Tony Beckett
Joshua 7-9, Luke 1:21-38
Key Verse: Luke 1:38
Smooth sailing is preferred over rough seas;
paved roads over potholes. But sometimes the
rough seas and potholes are by God's design to
accomplish His purpose. At that point, the
follower of Christ must decide whether to follow
God in the tough times or not.
Mary experienced a time that was difficult by
design. These verses record part of her
predicament: an unexpected pregnancy. Imagine as
best you can the full emotion of the situation.
She, an unmarried virgin, was asked to have a
baby. Undoubtedly she would become the object of
much doubt and ridicule. The truth would be too
unimaginable for people to believe. She would
bear the shame. In Matthew's account, it is noted
that Joseph even considered divorcing her (1:19).
Yet Mary's attitude was remarkable. She said to
the angel, "May it be to me as you have said" (v.
38). Her statement revealed her character. She
was ready to endure the doubt and ridicule. God's
work was more important to her than her
reputation.
Following God will take you down rough roads at
times. Sometimes you'll be tempted to find the
easier path. The best road to travel, however, is
always the one of God's choosing.
Are you on the right path, doing God's will? When
the way is rough, pray like Mary did,
surrendering to God's work in your life.
____________________________________________________________