Monday

November 30, 2020

“Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 (HCSB)

Mary had every reason to be frightened.  Angels, unlike what we often see in television shows, are quite intimidating.  But I believe the angel’s words were not to calm her fears for him but for the task to which God had called her.

Not many of us would volunteer as a teenage girl about to be married to take on the awesome task of carrying a baby, especially the Son of God.  There would be rumors and accusations, for sure.  Even the love of her fiancée would be challenged by the news. 

As we examine the Christmas story, we see this message repeated over and over again.  Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds all heard the same message, “Do not be afraid!”

Why?

Because God never calls us to a task that is not scary!  God always challenges us to leave our comfort zone when we are serving Him. He does this so that we have to depend on Him.  After all, if the task is not intimidating, if it is not something bigger than we are, if it is not something destined to fail without His involvement, is it really something that we need to be doing?

But take heart; the assurance is found in the second part of the message. “You have found favor with God.”  God doesn’t approach a single one of His servants with a task unless He has already approved that person for service. 

What task has God called you to today?  Proceed boldly and, “Do not be afraid!”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Jesus to free me from all my fears.  He is the greatest proof that I have found favor with You, and I will not be afraid.  In Jesus’ name. Amen!