I have struggled with all types of fears, both real and imagined during recent years. I view my friends either expanding in trusting God or floundering in despair. In my own heart, often I wonder about God’s plans as I navigate through a world unrecognizable from ten years ago. What does God say to my heart during these times of turbulence? He points to Mary.
GOD FAVORS HER
She is only a simple teenage girl, brought up in a backwater town. So why Mary? God never provides any extensive explanation. The angel announces to Mary that she is chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. God “favors” this unwed girl to give birth to the Chosen One, the Savior of the world. All she knows is that God has chosen her. God “favors” her.
COMBINING FAVOR WITH HEARTBREAK
I always connect favor with honor: someone given front row seats, the keys to the city and a crown on their head. It is hard to combine the concept of favor with heartbreak.
FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY MIXED WITH JOY
In Luke 1 the angels twice calls Mary “favored by God”, blessed by God. He makes her the most honored woman on earth, but she is to become intimately acquainted with the worst heartbreak known to humanity. At the angel’s initial announcement, she feels fear and uncertainty mixed with joy. This expands and painfully stretches year by year. She sees her beloved Son grow up and do the unexpected, time after time. Her sinless Son lives in a broken world, attacked by the forces of hell.
THE GOD WHO REDEEMS ME AND EVER KEEPS ME
This favored woman daily needs the angel’s words to resonate in her heart: The God who redeems you and ever will keep you is near, do not fear. In these days of darkness, I also need this promise and hope. The God who redeems me and ever keeps me is near. Do not fear.
Humble virgin, arise and take heart you’ve been chosen to carry a son. Give no heed to the trembling inside for the wonder has only begun;
Do not fear, do not fear, the child you will hold is the Savior foretold drawing near. The God who redeems you and ever will keep you is near, do not fear!