With a Subtitle: Don't put off any longer that extra that God has been calling you to.
A brief Excerpt: God can intervene in ordinary lives, as seen with Mary and Joseph, who were asked to become the parents of Jesus. Be open to God’s plans and willing to make your life extraordinary for Him.
Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Matthew 1:18, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
Background
Anyone plan on packing up their home and heading off to become missionaries in Africa this week? How about quitting their job and travelling around the country as a street preacher? Maybe you could think of something even more drastic to turn your world upside down. It’s doubtful that Mary and Joseph could have imagined anything more bizarre than to hear God’s angel tell them that they were to become the parents to God’s Son. It’s not like they were already in seminary, taking classes on church history, urban ministry, and preparation for potential parents of the Savior. They weren’t attending seminars and going away to conferences. They were busy making plans for their wedding and preparing for their new life as a couple. In fact, they were just days away from making themselves completely ineligible to play their part in history. Had they already been married and together, God’s virgin birth would have had to fall on another. But in the midst of their normal, planned lives, God stepped in and found two willing servants. He found Joseph, who became willing to raise a Son who was not his. Willing to try to explain to everyone that Mary had not been unfaithful, and that God’s own Son was in her womb. Willing to hear the gossip as the people wondered who really was the boy’s father. He found Mary, willing to face a stoning or divorce for conceiving outside of marriage. Willing to endure the looks as she told others of an angel’s visit and a miraculous conception. Willing to change her plans for Him.
Application
It happened to Mary and Joseph as they were walking through their ordinary lives. And it can happen to you, too. Whatever it is, it can happen to you. God can ask you to change your plans. He can ask you to be willing. Oddly enough, He already has. But our selective hearing tunes out what we figure must be meant for someone else. Don’t ignore it anymore. And don’t be afraid. Be willing to make your ordinary life extraordinary for Him.
Charge
As we seek Him today, thank God that life is extraordinary. Don’t put off any longer that extra that God has been calling you to. Look for Him everywhere you go and in everything you do.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org