“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45, NIV
Mary knew her life path had veered into unchartered territory.
I knew Gabriel had visited me and I clearly recalled his pronouncement. It was just so hard to believe God was doing this, and doing it to me! It was also a heart-wrenching experience as others mistook my divine assignment for something much less holy and much more ugly.
At moments I was so at peace, so joy-filled, I wanted to serve my God! I wanted to be a vessel for Him.
But, other times, outside my family’s sheltered walls, I could feel the weight of the condescending stares and hear the whispers that loudly echoed in my mind.
No, the people were quite good at gossip and my name was not revered as God saw me, but soiled and tarnished and dirty among the people.
And I hadn’t even done anything wrong!
But God knew.
And I knew He knew. But with my changing body and changing plans I needed somewhere to go, somewhere to get away from it all. Somewhere where someone would understand me.
I know I haven’t had the toll of a divine assignment as heavy as birthing the Savior of the world. But I know a burdened heart, heavy with the weight of trying to do what’s right. I bet you do too. After the our prayers have been whispered and we get up and back into our day- who should we turn to? Who do we trust as a traveling companion on our divine assignment?
God knows our need for a companion with flesh on: He created us! He knows the need for a human heart holding a hurting soul up to the Father in prayer- just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows when our souls turn to Him, trusting Him. He also knows when we need a little earthly understanding.
Mary had a relative that she knew would comprehend what she was enduring: Elizabeth. The angel had even called Elizabeth by name, as one who was miraculously expecting a child of her own.
Mary knew where to go for human companionship, who would provide spiritual support and encouragement: Elizabeth.
Elizabeth confirmed Mary’s divine assignment by her greeting the moment Mary entered her home.
What reassuring bliss to know someone understood.
And, Elizabeth desperately understood. She knew about whispers and judgment. She had been subjected to years of condescension herself for supposed sins, which reportedly rendered her barren. Yet, now, in her old age, God had redeemed her infertility. and resurrected her reputation.
She knew the heartache Mary must face before the people.
She also knew God was doing a miraculous work, not just in their lives, but for everyone to ever live.
Father God gave me shelter from the gossip storm brewing back home. He also provided confirmation to my weary heart with Elizabeth’s greeting. Her words soothed my very soul.
God used her to give me the courage to hold my head high, even when others whispered shamelessly about me.
With God’s help I would accomplish His divine assignment, trusting Him to provide my needs each step of the way.
For you and me, it has been quite a year. A year of solitude, heartbreak, and confusion. Maybe like me, you yearn to run into the arms of a friend, finding a warm hug, a listening ear, and an open heart.
I pray that you find that friend. God promises He will never leave us nor forsake us. He also promises to provide for all our needs. Yes, even that need for human connection.
He knows our hearts’ desires, and wants to give them to us. Trust Him.
He knows.
He cares.
He is already working.
Like Mary, we may know God as a Father and a friend. Just as God loved Mary and provided for her, He loves you and me, and will also provide for us.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, How easily overwhelmed I can become by Your assignments. Yet as Mary trusted You, and You always supplied her needs, You want to supply mine. Please help me to discern whom to trust, and may those interactions be glorifying to You, In Jesus’ name, Amen