Embracing God's Call: Faith and Joy in Mary
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her response to God's call. As we approach Christmas, a time filled with both joy and challenges, we are reminded of the diverse emotions this season can evoke. For some, it is a time of warmth and celebration, while for others, it can bring feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Amidst these emotions, we are encouraged to focus on the true essence of Christmas—the birth of Jesus and the hope it brings.
Mary's story is a powerful example of faith and obedience. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she would bear the Son of God, Mary was initially troubled and questioned how this could be. Despite her fears and the potential risks, she responded with faith, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Her willingness to embrace God's plan, despite the uncertainties, is a testament to her trust in God's promises.
This narrative challenges us to consider how we respond to God's interruptions in our lives. Often, what we perceive as interruptions are actually divine invitations to participate in God's work. Like Mary, we may feel unqualified or fearful, but God's favor is not based on our abilities or status. It is a gift of grace, inviting us to step into His plans with faith.
Mary's story also reminds us that with God, all things are possible. Her miraculous conception is a testament to God's power and His ability to accomplish the impossible. As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to give Him our "yes," knowing that He is in control.
As we reflect on Mary's example, let us be inspired to trust God with our lives, to embrace His plans with courage, and to be open to the ways He might use us for His purposes. May we, like Mary, find joy in being part of God's story and in sharing His love with the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing God's Interruptions: What we often see as interruptions in our lives are actually divine invitations from God. Like Mary, we are called to respond with faith and openness, trusting that God's plans are greater than our own. [52:21]
- God's Favor and Grace: God's favor is not based on our status or abilities but is a gift of grace. Mary, a young girl from an insignificant town, was chosen to bear the Son of God, reminding us that God sees potential in us beyond our experience. [51:50]
- Trusting in the Impossible: With God, all things are possible. Mary's miraculous conception is a testament to God's power and His ability to accomplish the impossible. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to believe in His promises. [57:24]
- The Power of Saying Yes: Mary's willingness to say "yes" to God, despite the risks and uncertainties, is a powerful example of faith and obedience. We are challenged to give God our "yes," trusting that He is in control and that His plans are for our good. [01:00:31]
- Finding Joy in God's Plan: Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, reflects her joy and gratitude for being part of God's story. We are reminded to find joy in being used by God and to trust in His faithfulness and love. [01:01:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:22] - Christmas Emotions
- [39:13] - The Joy and Challenges of the Season
- [41:59] - Zechariah's Doubt and Mary's Response
- [43:12] - The Angel's Message to Mary
- [44:06] - Mary's Faith and Obedience
- [44:55] - Zechariah and Elizabeth's Story
- [45:47] - Gabriel's Message to Mary
- [46:48] - Mary's Background and Significance
- [47:44] - The Greeting of Favor
- [49:20] - Mary's Troubled Heart
- [50:25] - God's Favor and Potential
- [51:05] - Fear and Faith
- [52:21] - God's Invitations
- [53:16] - Personal Stories of Faith
- [54:30] - The Promise of Jesus
- [55:27] - Mary's Questions and Faith
- [56:25] - The Miracle of the Virgin Birth
- [57:24] - Trusting God's Perspective
- [58:06] - The Power of God's Spirit
- [59:07] - Risks and Faith
- [59:53] - Mary's Yes to God
- [01:00:31] - The Magnificat: Mary's Song of Praise
- [01:01:58] - Lessons from Mary's Faith
- [01:03:04] - Trusting God's Plan
- [01:04:07] - Embracing God's Possibilities
- [01:04:56] - Giving God Our Yes
- [01:05:27] - God's Call and Our Response
- [01:06:41] - Trusting God's Outcome
- [01:08:17] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:26-38
Observation Questions:
1. How did Mary initially react to the angel Gabriel's message, and what was her final response? ([44:06])
2. What specific message did the angel Gabriel deliver to Mary about her future son? ([43:12])
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of Mary's background and her being chosen by God? ([46:48])
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of God's interruptions being divine invitations? ([52:21])
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Mary's response to the angel's message reveal about her character and faith? How might this inspire believers today? ([44:06])
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's favor and grace, particularly in the context of Mary's life? ([51:50])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers might perceive God's interruptions in their lives, and how should they respond? ([52:21])
4. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "nothing is impossible with God" in the context of Mary's story and our own lives? ([57:24])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified or fearful about a task or calling. How can Mary's story encourage you to trust in God's plan despite uncertainties? ([44:06])
2. The sermon mentions that God's favor is not based on status or abilities. How can this understanding change the way you view your own potential and opportunities? ([51:50])
3. Consider a situation in your life that you initially saw as an interruption. How might you reframe it as a divine invitation from God? ([52:21])
4. Mary's willingness to say "yes" to God involved significant risks. What are some risks you might face in saying "yes" to God's call, and how can you prepare to embrace them? ([59:07])
5. The sermon highlights the importance of finding joy in being part of God's story. How can you cultivate a sense of joy and gratitude in your current circumstances? ([01:01:58])
6. How can you actively seek to trust in God's sovereignty and promises when facing challenges that seem impossible? ([57:24])
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel God might be calling you to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to that call? ([01:06:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Invitations
In life, what we often perceive as interruptions may actually be divine invitations from God. Mary's story exemplifies this truth. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she was initially troubled and questioned how she could bear the Son of God. Despite her fears and uncertainties, Mary responded with faith, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Her willingness to embrace God's plan, despite the potential risks, is a testament to her trust in God's promises. This narrative challenges us to consider how we respond to God's interruptions in our lives. Like Mary, we may feel unqualified or fearful, but God's favor is not based on our abilities or status. It is a gift of grace, inviting us to step into His plans with faith. [52:21]
Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation that felt like an interruption. How might it be a divine invitation from God, and how can you respond with faith and openness today?
Day 2: The Gift of Grace
God's favor is not determined by our status or abilities but is a gift of grace. Mary, a young girl from an insignificant town, was chosen to bear the Son of God, reminding us that God sees potential in us beyond our experience. This truth is a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of our background or perceived qualifications. We are called to trust in His grace and to step into the roles He has prepared for us, knowing that His plans are greater than our own. [51:50]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel inadequate. How can you trust in God's grace to use you for His purposes despite your perceived limitations?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
With God, all things are possible. Mary's miraculous conception is a testament to God's power and His ability to accomplish the impossible. As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to believe in His promises. This trust requires us to surrender our fears and doubts, knowing that God is in control and that His plans are for our good. [57:24]
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Reflection: Identify a challenge or uncertainty you are currently facing. How can you actively trust in God's sovereignty and power to accomplish the impossible in this situation?
Day 4: The Courage to Say Yes
Mary's willingness to say "yes" to God, despite the risks and uncertainties, is a powerful example of faith and obedience. We are challenged to give God our "yes," trusting that He is in control and that His plans are for our good. This act of surrender requires courage and a deep trust in God's faithfulness. By saying "yes" to God, we open ourselves to being used for His purposes and to experiencing the fullness of His plans for our lives. [01:00:31]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are hesitant to say "yes" to God? What steps can you take today to courageously surrender this area to Him?
Day 5: Finding Joy in God's Story
Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, reflects her joy and gratitude for being part of God's story. We are reminded to find joy in being used by God and to trust in His faithfulness and love. This joy comes from knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves and that God's plans are unfolding in our lives. As we embrace His story, we are invited to share His love with the world and to find fulfillment in His purposes. [01:01:58]
Psalm 126:3 (ESV): "The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in being part of God's story. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy in your current circumstances, trusting in His faithfulness and love?
Quotes
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child, give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end. [00:43:12] (37 seconds)
How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? The angel answered, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will come upon you. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God. [00:44:06] (31 seconds)
What we call interruptions, God calls invitations. I think back to months ago when we were in Luke chapter 5. And we read about Simon Peter and how he had an encounter with Jesus. And the result of that encounter was, he gave up his lucrative fishing business to follow him. Jesus interrupted his life and everything that he knew and invited him to come follow him and to be a fisher of men. [00:53:16] (35 seconds)
Mary was just told that her offspring would be the one that all the messianic prophecies pointed to. That her child would be greater than all the Old Testament giants of the faith that she had heard stories about. How her son would be the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his kingdom would last forever. She was just told that the Son of God was going to come out of her body and his name was to be Jesus, which means the Lord saves. [00:55:27] (35 seconds)
The birth of Jesus to a virgin is a miracle that many people have a hard time with. Luke, he was a doctor. I'm sure he delivered his fair share of babies back in the day. If anybody had a hard time believing in a virgin birth, it would have been him, right? But he records this event as a fact in his gospel. We also know that Luke was a great researcher who based his writings on eyewitness accounts and testimony. And it is believed that he heard this story from Mary herself. [00:56:25] (34 seconds)
Mary could be facing incredible hardships and risks if she says yes. She could be looking at incredible hardships and risk if she says yes. An unexplained pregnancy, it was a serious matter. It could bring shame upon her and Joseph and it could lead to an ending of their engagement. She could be kicked out of her family and end up being a single mother for shaming them. Or worst case, according to the law, she could be stoned to death for such an offense. [00:59:07] (37 seconds)
Mary didn't need any more information for her understanding. And she answered the angel, I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said. She gave God a big yes. She went from asking, how can this be, to let it be. She was telling God, have your way with me. Here I am, Lord, use me. You know, the hope and the prayer is that we all have this attitude, this heart, and the willingness of Mary when God asks us to do something. [01:00:31] (37 seconds)
We can also see her heart, her praise, and her thanks to God in her song, the Magnificat, which is found in verses 46 to 55 of Luke chapter 1, where Mary says, My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is his name. [01:01:58] (32 seconds)
And the biggest thing is, with God, all things are possible. Amen? With God, all things are possible. This morning, you might be going through a situation that you see as being impossible. You know, we saw last week and today how God can do what many thought was improbable or impossible. An aged woman and a virgin both became pregnant. Nothing is impossible with God, church. Keep praying those prayers. [01:04:56] (38 seconds)
Another example we learned from Mary is that we shouldn't be afraid to give God our yes. Giving him our yes gives him full access to us. And you know what? Things might not go as we planned them to go. We have seen the past two weeks in our teachings that sometimes God interrupts lives. And the scary part is, we don't know what he may ask us to do. It could be something simple. It could be something grand. [01:05:27] (35 seconds)
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