The Sound of Surety: December 8

Have you ever had so much faith that something was going to happen, so much surety, but yet you had no idea HOW God was going to accomplish it, you just had unwavering faith that it would happen? These moments are probably rare in your life just like they are in mine. The opposite is often true in times of silence. Instead of surety, we are left feeling shaken, unsure of anything. We flounder and falter in our faith because our eyes are on the situation we find ourselves in. Today, we witness faith birthed in Mary’s heart as she processes Gabriel’s message.Remember: Luke 1:29-38But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. - Luke 1:29-35This is the sound of faith. Now, what makes Mary’s question different from Zechariah’s? It’s the heart from where it comes. Zechariah’s question came from a place of doubt, doubting not only the message but the Messenger. Mary’s question came from a place of curiosity and wonder. Zechariah’s question was: “How do I know this is going to happen? He doubted God and his power. Mary’s question was: How will this happen? She believed the message and the Messenger, but was curious as to how it would take place.Zechariah’s question was answered with silence, but Mary’s question was answered with a sure salvation. ReflectOur faith can waver in times of waiting. Receiving bad news leaves us troubled. Gabriel gives Mary two assurances in the face of unsure circumstances that births faith in her soul resulting in a surrendered heart.* God’s faith birthed - “Do not be afraid.” With these words, Gabriel assures her troubled heart that God is in complete control and that she has no reason to be afraid at the angel’s presence or with God’s plan.* God’s favor bestowed - The reason she does not need to fear is God’s bestowed favor on her life. This is the second time the angel pronounces favor (the smile of God) on Mary. Sometimes, we need that extra assurance of the smile of God on our lives in times of silence and troubling circumstances.We possess these same assurances because of the surety we have in Christ. Did you notice the subtle appearance of the Trinity in verse 35? “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” - Luke 1:35Gabriel resided in the presence of God. Day in and day out, for eternity, he has witnessed the workings of the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The miracle that the triune God would reside in the womb of a humble virgin girl is mind-blowing. But the reality is, when God changes our hearts and we place our faith in Christ, the same happens to us. The triune God resides in us. “…that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:16-19Father, Son, and Spirit. We have the power of the triune God moving in our hearts and lives. This is what gives us surety in times of silence. RespondCarry this breath prayer in your heart today:Breathe In:Father, Son and Holy SpiritBreathe Out:You are here now.The JourneyThis journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com