Advent Devotional Day 17

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30

Fear. A common feeling we all experience, especially in today’s world. Between the never-ending news clips on the tragedies of the day, to the hardships we face in day-to-day life, fear is easy to fall into.

But we aren’t called to fear. As Christians, we have hope in God. Through Him, He gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

We can imagine that Mary had her own expectations and plans for her life. But God’s plan was greater - the Son of God was born to a virgin to bring salvation to the world. There were many reasons she could fear, but her faith in God’s Word remained.

God has chosen us for a special purpose in His plan, not because we earned it, but by His sovereign grace. Walking in the calling of God is not promised to be easy, but it is promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

This Christmas season, we can stand firm in the knowledge that God is with us, and He is bigger than all our fears. He has already gone before us and has set our path. He has plans for us that are greater than we can ask, think, or imagine. We just need to trust in Him and have faith that He has our best in mind.

Lord, help us to remember that You walk with us, guide us, and have wonderful plans for our lives - plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future! ~ Mary Schriever