Have you ever received stunning news? Was it unexpected bad news that came out of the blue? Or was it good news that excited you to the point of jumping for joy? Have you not received that kind of news? How do you think you would feel if you were in Mary’s sandals?
We receive unexpected bad news at times. I can still remember the shock that went through me when I received the unexpected news a few years ago that I was fired from my job. I had never experienced something like that in all my fifty-six years. To say I was caught off guard is an understatement.
We may also receive unexpected good news. I have wondered what people who win millions of dollars in the lottery feel. Of course, as I’ve matured, I have also thought that may not be good news. But many in our world would consider it exceptional news. They begin thinking about all the things they can buy with all that money. Therein lies the problem with winning the lottery.
Mary received unexpected news. Gabriel suddenly appeared to her and tells her she is going to have a baby. If that is not enough, he tells her what to name the child and how great her baby boy will be. Since Mary was not yet married, I’m sure there were all sorts of things running through her mind. What will my mother and father think? Will they kick me out of the house? What will the neighbors think? Will I be allowed to go to the market again? And, of course, the question she asked Gabriel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).
Just as Mary likely had several questions, we may have questions when God does something unexpected in our lives. But we must react just as Mary did. She humbly submitted to God’s plan and continued in her faith. We must trust that God has something good planned for us, even if it takes a while for it to be fully revealed to us.
I pray we all believe God’s plan is for our good. I pray we humbly submit to God’s plan. I pray each one of us will react as Mary did, continuing in our faith, and being joyful that God is using us. Expect the unexpected. Know that God has a plan. Humbly submit to God. Continue in your faith.
Luke 1:31-33 “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Marty Pressey 