{"id":24705,"date":"2018-12-11T03:30:26","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T11:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=24705"},"modified":"2018-12-06T13:51:27","modified_gmt":"2018-12-06T21:51:27","slug":"december-11-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2018\/12\/11\/december-11-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"December 11, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cBut when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. But then the angel said, \u2018Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Luke 1:29-30<\/p>\n

Fear<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Fear is subtle thing. There are fears that come from our outside surroundings and fears that manifest from within. I may think I\u2019m fearless or not affected by something, yet there\u2019s an avoidance in me to face a certain situation or a person. I tend to make excuses or cover up thoughts instead of daring to move in a direction to face the challenge.<\/p>\n

I love Mary\u2019s encounter with the angel. I would have been afraid also if an alien being appeared in front of me. The angel immediately calms her by telling her who he is and his (awesome) purpose. The incredible task of carrying in her young body the Savior of the world, God\u2019s Son, would undo me. The Lord knew Mary would take on the privileged responsibility in obedience. She may have been stunned with the angel encounter, but she embraced her task with joy in spite of being young, and a virgin not yet married, seemingly fearless and in humility. I can learn a lot from her example.<\/p>\n

Mary found favor with Almighty God; He knew she would trust Him, and thus she could be entrusted to be the earthly mother of His Son.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. She reacted with joy (Luke 1:46-55). Boy, do I desire that to be my reaction when the Lord reveals an impossible, glorious solution to my problems as I\u2019m living in my impatience and worry.<\/li>\n
  2. She was seemingly fearless and obeyed exactly what was told her in spite of what others, especially her immediate family, would say (Luke 1: 38). The Lord had worked that out also: to build up her faith, He sent her to Aunt Elizabeth who would definitely understand.<\/li>\n
  3. She was humble and honestly confessed her confusion (Luke 1:34).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Lord sees our hearts and motives, and He knows the perfect time to reveal His will and unfold His purpose to us. Many times it comes in our day-to-day activities and encounters. We don\u2019t usually know the magnitude of the words He may give us to share with a hurting friend, or the power of a listening ear to a lonely person in the grocery line.<\/p>\n

    With her example, I can face my fears the holiday season sometimes brings\u2014the fear of a conversation with a family member, or fear of my Christmas work party where I am different than most. Yet with the Lord, I can face these things with joy, courage and humility, representing Him well. He goes before us and works everything to His good pleasure. I can completely trust Him.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThank You, Lord, for Your Word. We can embrace Your truth and know You are with us and have gone before us. We have nothing to fear. Fill us with Your joy and courage as we go in humility, knowing it\u2019s only by Your strength and love in us.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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