Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 1:39-45
What would life be like for Mary? We talked about that a little yesterday.
Mary apparently left home very soon after the angel appeared to her and went to visit her Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Zechariah in another town. We don't know whether she told her parents and was sent away to hide, or whether she was led by God to go without telling anyone about what happened. At this point, the pregnancy would not be visible.
Yet, when she entered her aunt's home, what happened?
The Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, the Messiah. And baby John the Baptizer jumped inside her womb.
We've talked about the miracle of Elizabeth's pregnancy, now I want you to realize how very good God is. He needed Mary to do this job, but He provided the very best for her. He sent her to Elizabeth – someone who was older and wiser, yet who was also experiencing a miracle in her life, too. Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant and Mary was just at the beginning stages. For 3 months, Elizabeth and Mary prepared their hearts to face the world with the news of the Messiah's arrival. This was a time of spiritual strengthening that would help Mary face a very harsh world.
You can be assured that God will provide EVERYTHING you need to accomplish EVERYTHING He's called you to do! Sometimes He sends a friend, sometimes He sends you a promise from Scripture, sometimes He places a certain song on your heart, but He will provide encouragement and everything else you need to succeed.
This morning I was feeling a little down. My back was flared up again and I couldn't attend church, so my husband went by himself and I was feeling sad that I couldn't be there. I was wondering how I could possibly be of any use to God's Kingdom when I'm stuck here. I picked up my phone and found that a lady had sent me a text. She said that a letter I had sent her last week had really encouraged her and blessed her. Wow! I needed that. I CAN still accomplish things for Him. And of course, then I felt encouraged to get busy and write more Bible studies for you! I hope these encourage you!
In His service, dale
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