Could You Be as Strong as Mary?

Do you think that you would treat your child differently if you knew he would find the cure for AIDS? Do you think that Thomas Edison would have been mistreated by his teachers and called dumb, if they knew that he would be one of the greatest inventors of our time? Could the knowledge of the future bring favor upon these individuals that would alter history? Perhaps, if we all treated others the way that we would like to be treated...Thomas Edison would not have suffered so much. If we treated others with the knowledge that God has a great destiny for them, we could lift others to greatness. It's something to think about...

What if you knew your child would be a great preacher, but he would die at the hands of Christian persecutors? Would you be strong enough to raise him and let him go do the will of the Lord? What if you were told by the angel of the Lord that God had favor upon you? Do you think that would make your life easier? This world is not perfect. Being a child of God does not exempt you from trials and tribulations. It gives you tools to overcome. The favor upon your life should be funneled to others believers and non believers. We are called to be the light, so shine.

Mary was told that the favor of the Lord was upon her. She chose to be obedient, but take note that it didn't mean life was easy. Be encouraged. God gives us the strength to fulfill our destiny. All we need to do is surrender and follow Him. Staying before his presence, praying, fasting and meditating on His Word are key to being able to finish the race.

What if God asked you to give the ultimate sacrifice? What if he asked you to be chastised by your own people, like Mary was? Would you be able to say...Yes Lord? Mary watched as her son was beaten, mocked and crucified. This is the same son that was exalted only days before. Some of his persecutors may have been the same people he healed. Still, she waited on the Lord. She stood on God's promises. She was faithful, although her heart was breaking as she watched her baby boy die on a cross. Interesting, isn't it? To realize that Jesus was someone's baby. Mary nursed Jesus, bathed him and protected him from danger. Now, she watched as the sweat and blood dropped down his head. The crown of thorns piercing his scalp. Incredibly, although he was in pain hanging on that cross...he audibly forgave those that had particpated.


Here's the song Mary, Did You Know? I pray that this video blesses you today...



Scriptures for your Day

Luke 1:29-31 (New International Version)
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Luke 23:34 (New International Version)
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.