Who me?


"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."  Luke 1:26-30

I was reading this, this morning, and struck by the words, "... she was greatly trouble at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be." 

We all know Mary was an amazing young woman. She was highly favored, by God, "'nuff said".  What struck me, this morning, was the fact ... she didn't know that. 

The angel said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" and her response was "... she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be..." Mary's response was  (basically) "Who me?". 

An angel appears to her, says, "You are God's favorite.  He is with you."  And, she is confused. 

Sad

And, sadly, my response too ... most of the time.

I struggle with feeling unworthy.  And, I didn't even realize it for years.  Mary probably didn't realize it either.  The Bible tells us the heart is deceitfully wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).  We think we know so much (especially in our late teens and early 20's).  It is only years later as life "throws us around" we can look back on situations and gauge our reactions ... the things we can't control .... and see who our heart really is.  As, I have done that I see a pattern developing, of not feeling worthy.  Lots of things have contributed to it ... I don't want to go into that ... But, my sweet Jesus, has been faithful to help me.  Slowly, so very slowly, He has guided by bruised heart that didn't know how to trust Him to a place of complete trust.  His patience is astounding.  Truly breathtaking.  His love is more vast than I have words for, at this moment. 

It makes me feel strangely comforted to see even precious Mary struggled with these issues.  That in the face of overwhelming evidence she still said, "Who me?" just like us.  I am not alone, neither are you.  We all were born into a world with "issues".  The Dr. handed us to a mother with "issues".  The hospital discharged us home to parents and families with "issues".  So, we have "issues".  Imagine that.  We struggle with "issues", all of us.  We are not alone.  Be comforted.  But, be encouraged! 


God has a Word for you today, too, "You are favored.  You are loved.  You are not alone!"  Even with our issues! 

The Greek word used in Luke 1:30 for "favor" is, Charis.  It is the exact same word used in Romans  5:17 for "grace". "For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace (or Favor) and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."  Through Jesus we can now receive an "abundance" of Grace or Favor from God!  Amazing!!!   "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace (favor and help from God) was upon them all." Acts 4:33

Grace also means His unending, complete help for any task.  Whatever God has called you to ... He will get you through! 

Don't ever say, "Who me?"  When He unfolds His plan for your life.  It is always amazing, abundant, exciting and impossible, for you.  He always extends His hand, to help, after He explains His plan, to you.  He is always saying, "You are enough.  You are amazing.  You are able, through me." And I want you ... "Yes, you!

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