Giving God the glory he deserves can easily slip our minds this time of year. We are busy preparing for gatherings, special services, and Christmas day. We scurry about trying to ensure everything is perfect. We cram in several places to be and many people to meet.
But what was it like to be Mary carrying the unborn Jesus? Have you spent any time thinking about her situation? Have you tried to put yourself in her place? Have you read her song of praise to God for what he had done in her life? Perhaps you should take time to do so.
When Mary heard that her relative, perhaps a distant cousin, was also expecting a baby boy in her old age, Mary took off to go see her. When she arrived at Elizabeth’s house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and humbled herself before Mary. She also blessed Mary and told her that even the baby she was carrying had jumped within her when Mary arrived.
What was Mary’s reaction? She sang a song of praise (Luke 1:46-55). Not only is her song a song of praise, but it is a song of remembrance and prophecy. She remembers what God has done in the past and states what God will do in the future. The only explanation for her song is she was filled with the Holy Spirit, too.
How did this happen? Mary was humble, accepting God’s plan for her life. Though she was a young girl, perhaps between the age of twelve and fifteen, she was already mature enough in her faith to trust God was at work for her good. Mary may not have understood God’s entire plan nor exactly how things would play out with her forthcoming son, but she trusted God.
We, too, can trust God, just as Mary did. We are told that God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Jesus promised us that whatever we ask in His name He will do so the Father will be glorified (John 14:13-14). Our trust in God, understanding his will for our lives, and asking in Jesus’ name will provide us with confidence of God working for our good.
I pray we all humble ourselves before God. I pray we trust God is working for our good. I pray each one of us will ask in accordance with God’s will and in Jesus’ name for whatever we need. Humble yourself before God. Trust God is working for your good. Ask in accordance with God’s will. Sing praises to God. Give God the glory.
Luke 1:46-48a And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”
Marty Pressey 