"Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke 1:42-45
Mary, young sweet innocent Mary has just accepted the assignment of lifetime. I only imagine what she was thinking. She was a woman and most women respond the same way when something "big" happens in their life. Most women run to tell a gal pal. Mary's response to run to Elizabeth was a very natural. She probably ran out of fear from what she had just experienced. Perhaps she ran to hide until she could get a handle on the situation. Or maybe she needed a hug from friend and a loving "It will be alright." After thinking being alone with her thoughts for a few days, she hurried on a five to six hour trip to a place of refuge, Zechariah and Elizabeth's house. She had to have been wondering for the past few days, "Did that really happen? Am I crazy? How can I be certain what I experienced was real?" Her questions were answered and any doubt was put to rest when she spoke, "Hi Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Zech. I am here for a visit." When Aunt Elizabeth heard Mary's voice she was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Can you imagine?!!!) Elizabeth's words confirmed that Mary intend had been chosen to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. She wasn't crazy and had heard the angel correctly.
Maybe this has happened to you. The Lord speaks to you through His Word and prayer. In your spirit He tells you something so outrageous and unbelievable (Like "You will be teaching my Word to large groups of women.") that you doubt what you hear. You might even shake you head to loosen the cobwebs and push out anything possibly obstructing your hearing. You walk around bewildered for a couple days then out of the blue the word you receive confirmation. God uses a pastor, scripture, song, friend, family member, and/or situations to confirm the word he spoke to you heart. If you are like me and Mary you respond by praising the Lord.
My "Mary moment" was being called to teach God's Word. I couldn't believe it. In fact, I only told a select few until I could "get a handle" on the things. Mary walked around for three days before she got her confirmation, I walked around for about 6 months. His plan my life was confirmed through His precious Word and in a sermon my pastor preached.
Have you had a "Mary Moment?" Tell us about it.
13 Comments:
Wow, I just pulled up your website after hearing you last night. I woke up first thing this morning and spent time with God, and He put me write at Luke in this very account! What a confirmation that I am right where I need to be and reading what I need to be reading! From one mom to another, thank you for such kindness last night when I really needed it! You are amazing!
Cheryl Doan (Susan's sister from the Monroe Proverbs 31 group)
Cheryl
I had such a wonderful time with you all last night. It was truly a blessing!
Thank you for visiting my sight.
My "Mary Moment" happened last January. I was sitting in the Cathedral, listening to our Bishop preach at a Priest's Installation Service. The Bishop's sermon was about how we are all called by God. And to accept that call. Right then and there I was called to build a Labyrinth in my back yard to increase my prayer, and spiritual life. I had to convince myself that I was not crazy, and I did it, and love that time outside with God every morning!
I'm suffering with a fractured foot that is not healing well, and unable to walk the labyrinth now, but my husband is helping me maintain it, because we both believe that one day I will be walking out there again praising the Lord!
I'm a silent, but steady reader in southern Louisiana.
Happy Friday Dear Ladies!
A month or so ago I began flipping back through my journal. I stumbled across an entry dated, Nov. 30, 2008. Upon reading it I had to laugh out loud. Just over a year ago I wrote: Lord, "like newborn babies, [I want to} long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grown in [my] salvation" (I Peter 2:2). As the new year approaches one of my goals is to finally read through the Bible in its entirety....I want to long to read your Word every single day...I want to crave the spiritual milk of your Word...I want to feast on your Word this upcoming year so that I might be transformed more like You........." I had to laugh, because really it was not that long ago, that I did not "long" to read His Word! I enjoyed Bible Studies, but just never could discipline myself to read His Word, every single day, from beginning to end. My morning routine was a cup of coffee and the newspaper and emailing back friends! God has done a turn-around in me this year.
Year after year, I've tried reading through the Bible...but, never get past a couple of weeks!
So, this particular day, I know that God led me to journal my thoughts. At this time I had never read blogs. I did not even know what a 'blog' was! Shortly after this some time, I believe in December...a friend of mine had told me about the Proverbs 31 devotional's on line. As I was looking it up that day, guess who's devo. popped up? Wendy Pope! :) ---Along, with her invitation to read through the Bible with her the upcoming year! The Spirit in me jumped! I knew this was God answering my prayer, to give me a longing and desire to read through the Bible. I was so excited!
As I look back over the year I can't even believe His goodness! He answered this prayer request of mine in ways better than I had ever even dreamed! To be placed in this group with a gal that serves her Father and desires His Word to guide her, along with all of you sisters who have so much wisdom!
I thank Him so often that he wooed me to Him, that He placed the goal on my heart, and that He allowed me to hear His whisper that afternoon. I, so want to be a BELIEVER like Mary. She truly believed her God. I want to live each day walking along His path, and anticipating His whispers. Ready to obey. I do not want to miss the blessings He is waiting to give me.
My favorite portion of verse today was, "you are blessed because you *believed* that the Lord would do what he said" (Luke 1:45).
Even though I'm a lowly servant gal that has not even read through the Bible in its entirety yet, I can shout out loud, "The Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me" (Luke 1:48-49). Humbly, I stand before you Lord in awe; You give me much to rejoice about today! Thank you for your never-ending love.
Dear Sisters~ "The Lord's love never ends;
His mercies never stop.
They are new every morning..."
(Lam. 3:22-23). Today, allow our Father to scoop you up and relish yourselves in His arms.
Have a great weekend!
Lori - AZ
My "Mary Moment" began on our journey through Exodus...I was offered a new job in another part of the state. It meant pullling up roots and leaving my comfort zone...my job, my church, my community. I prayed for a sign...I threw out the fleece! I opened up our text for the day and Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt!!!
The confirmations just rolled in after that...praise songs that were straight from God's heart to mine, sermons centering around those of us called to be sent out...by then, although my decision had already been made, I was still saying Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord!
I wish I could go on, but I am short on time today. I just wanted to pop in to say that when God calls us he does give us as well the support system to back him up...friends, blog sisters, pastors etc. Often he sends unlikely messengers to deliver his word, others he sends angels. To be called by God is amazing...and all of us have been!!
I can't wait to read your stories!
Praising him,
Liz
AK
I had a "Mary Moment" a couple of years ago. Two nights in a row I was awakened by "someone" shouting the name "JOB". The first night I sat up, thought my husband had said it, saw he was sleeping, so I layed back down and thought I was dreaming and went back to sleep. The second nite I couldn't deny it; it had to be from the Lord. I began to ask Him what He meant by it and what He wanted from me. I turned to the book of Job and found a man who was faithful with alot but also faithful with a little when everything was taken from him.
I had been introduced to a caring bridge site of a family whose 12 yr old boy had been sick since birth...how he is still living today is beyond me....anyway, the faith of that mother oozed from her journals. I realized financially these people were struggling and the Lord was showing me a mother who was so faithful with a little; was I going to be faithful with the blessings He had bestowed on me? Even though I was not totally comfortable; I obeyed and sent a sizeable amount of money to this family - I had to cash in some investments to do so - but oohhh the joy I felt in the afterglow of obedience....I cannot describe it.
Lord, to hear Your voice and obey...to the degree that Mary obeyed...that is my desire.
Happy weekend ladies and gents! Waahoo!
Morgen - MN
Thanks so much ladies for your continued encouragement and prayers!
My 'Mary moment' is alot like Lori's. I remember praying to God late last year for the discipline to read His word in 2009. I do not remember the details on how I subscribed to the 'encouragement for today' website, but I do remember seeing Wendy's invitation to join her for the same journey that I had not too long prayed for.
I have grown tremendously in God's word and in the things of God thus far and look forward to completing the journey.........I really didnt know that I would've had the discipline to keep up, but with God, all things are possible!!!
Lori, thank you for that wonderful prayer and for keeping the faith with me.
Jan, I am 1 1/2 years away from 39, the age your daughter had her first, so I am looking forward to sharing the good news real soon!!
Be blessed all!
Chanan, Bahamas.
ps. you gals are really a great bunch, I hope and pray we all have a chance to gather together and socialise soon.
A Mary moment is taking place right now. God is doing something miraculous in my life, and I need to "believe that the Lord would do what he said" (Luke 1:45).
Yesterday, I went to see the surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for my diagnosis of breast cancer. May I say many prayers are already answered?! Yes, I have to have surgery (a lumpectomy.) Yes, I have to do radiation therapy. And yes, I’ll be on Tamoxifen (or similar oral chemo drug) for five years. BUT – my prognosis is Stage 0 with chance of recurrence below 12%... that is extremely good news!! The doctor said, “Not that anyone wants cancer, but most women who come here wish they had what you have.” My heart was lightened, and burdened, by the news… praise God for allowing the cancer in me to be revealed early; and the need to prayer for those women who must endure far more than I will go through. Another woman in our church was diagnosed the week before me, but she has aggressive cancer requiring a double mastectomy and a year of chemo. In light of what could have been, I don’t take my situation lightly – this is a serious call to pay better attention to my health and the need to not “put-off” important tests, even when I feel fine :-/
Although this is not the journey I would desire for myself, God has widened my narrow path to include a few friends to walk alongside the way. As you pray for me, pray that God be glorified and I may bear fruit, even though it requires a painful “pruning” – we know that pruning brings forth good and beautiful results :)
From the moment I was told I needed a biopsy the Lord impressed on my heart and mind: Jehovah-Raah, the Lord is my Shepherd.
“I will lead [Susan] by ways [she] has not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide [her]. I will turn the darkness into light before [her] and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake [her].” (Isa 42:16, NIV)
God has already smoothed some rough steps through my co-worker, who has shared a wealth of information from her own cancer journey. Another rough step has been smoothed through my daughter, who works for an oncologist in Florida. Her doctor has reassured and encouraged her, answering all her (and my) questions. Although I cannot see in the darkness, I know Who is leading the way… Jesus, on His hands and knees, scraping away the chinks and rough patches. Nail-scarred hands running along the surface for any sharp edges. Calloused hands that polish until there is just enough light for the next step. The Lord is my Shepherd, I need not fear.
Following in bare feet…
Susan
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matt 6:34, The Message) That message applied to Mary 2,000 years ago, and it applies to Susan today - God's Word is the same yesterday and forever!
Wendy,
I LOVE your new blog! It is SO inviting!!!
I so enjoyed today's reading. "Because you believed you are blessed". May we be bless because we too believe that God is doing great things in our lives and impossible things in the lives of those we love!
So glad you are my friend
Lynn
Susan, that is wonderful news!!! God does answer prayer. I had kidney cancer 13 years ago. A tumor was found during a CT scan before having my gal bladder removed, and it was small. So small that they watched it for 2 years before they took it out. It was encapsulated inside the kidney, and after the kidney was removed I did not have to have any chemo or radiation. Praise God!
God gave me peace about the surgery, and I was not afraid. He was right there with me the whole time, as he will be with you.
Jan TN
Great news Susan!!!!
Be encouraged and keep the faith - with God, ALL things are possible!!!
Susan, what good news and Christ is shining in you dear sister as you face this with the attitude of "Dear God may You be glorified!" You are an inspiration.
{{HUGS}}
Brandee, TN
Hi girls! I'm trying not to spend as much time on the computer these days, and I know it's the right thing, but I still miss checking in here earlier in the day.
I so enjoyed the "Mary Moment" idea and all the sharing that has taken place here. I have had several "Mary moments" in my life, but what struck me as I remembered each one, the latest was in 2008. That bothered me. Then a new thought struck me. Every time the Lord speaks to me, it's a Mary moment. Like today when He reminded me in His Word to be watching for Him in my day, that was a Mary moment. Yesterday when He reminded me I need to stand in awe of Him, that was a Mary moment. Any time God speaks or reveals Himself to me in any way, it's a Mary moment.
May I never disregard His slightest whisper as anything less than it truly is...a "Mary Moment".
Blessings,
Joy
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