Sunday Reflection...

This past Thursday I had the privilege of beginning a Bible/discipleship study with my third oldest granddaughter, Brianna, who turned 17 last June, and is a senior in high school.  I'm so excited about spending time in God's Word with her, and learning from each other.

I ordered a study book highlighting teenage girls of the Bible, but it didn't arrive in time, so I put together a brief study of the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

[Internet photo of what Mary might have looked like.]

It was the custom of girls in Israel during Mary's time, to become betrothed and married at an early age.  Therefore, it is believed Mary was between 12-14 years of age when the angel, Gabriel, appeared to her with the message that God had chosen her for the virgin birth of His Son, Jesus.

The first thing Brianna and I noticed is that God selected someone very 'unsuitable' in the eyes of people to be mightily used by Him.  Mary was young, poor, and very ordinary. However, God knew she possessed the qualities of trust and obedience, so He bestowed unmerited favor on her.

I'm grateful God often uses ordinary people to fulfill His plans and purposes, aren't you?  I love the verse I Samuel 16:7  "...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  

In the midst of Mary's fear and uncertainty of what the future would hold, she responded to Gabriel, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."   No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

The scripture that Brianna and I chose to reflect on all this week is Luke 1:37 - Gabriel's words to Mary:  "For nothing is impossible with God."

Our human capabilities are limited, but how encouraging to know nothing is impossible with God!

We left each other with the prayer that God will make us women like Mary, who will bring Jesus into our world by sharing the 'good news' of His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

May God bless your week!