GOD NEVER SAID IT WAS EASY

GOD NEVER SAID IT WAS EASY

By Carolyn Dale Newell

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 NKJV

In Mary’s private conversation with the angel, Gabriel, she learned she had been chosen as the virgin to bring the Messiah into the world. A huge honor with huge responsibilities.

Mary never questioned how this would turn her world upside-down. It would definitely put some road bumps in her relationship with Joseph, her fiancé. She did not beg God to insure Joseph’s commitment to her. How would she convince Joseph she had not been unfaithful? God handled Joseph without a word from Mary. She did not plead with God to make believers of her family who would probably think the worst of her. Then, there would be the local gossip. Mary faced turmoil in every direction.

Understanding all the implications associated with this great honor, Mary humbly accepted it and trusted God for the details.

Mary’s faith must have been strong. For some reason, I think all will run smoothly when God has a calling on your life.

Send your children to Christian school. Surely, God will provide the money. Call a person to sing. Surely, God will protect their voice. Call a woman to write devotional books. Surely, God will remove all complications.

It does not work that way. God never promised us easy, even when He calls us to a task. During the self-publishing process of my book, Incense Rising, I cried out to God asking Him why. Why did You call me to write when I cannot see to proofread? Why did You allow my book to be filled with thousands of computer formatting errors?

God never promised us an easy road, not even for Mary, the young lady who bore His Son. We cannot assume our lives will be trouble-free because we are following God’s direction. It is a nice thought, but it is not biblical. On the contrary, we can expect trouble. We may as well pencil it in for an appointment.

Oh, that we could all have the tender trust in God that Mary demonstrated. She was wise beyond her years, well versed in the Word of God, but she possessed a child-like faith. That is what we need, faith untainted by fear and doubt. Faith that says, “Let it be as You say, Lord. I trust You will handle the problems, because they will arise.”

Today, you may feel the pains of your calling. Perhaps, your heart is saddened by the unexpected turns of your journey. Friend, remember Jesus conquered it all at Calvary. He walks the difficult roads with you. He never leaves you, and He doesn’t forsake you (Heb. 13:5). He is there. We just need to hold on. Hold on to His nail scarred hand.

Heavenly Father, help me trust in You like Mary did, never questioning. Thank You for her example and help me not fear the hard journeys. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Luke 1:26-38.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Are you like Mary, or are you more like me? What obstacle faces you today? Commit it to prayer. If you care to share it, I would be honored to pray for you. Details are not necessary.

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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