June 2

Luke 1:26-38 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

For nothing will be impossible with God (v. 37).

Observation

How difficult it must have been for Mary to believe that “nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). After all, how can a virgin get pregnant? How can a woman conceive by the Holy Spirit or bear a child after menopause (e.g., Elizabeth)? The answer is—she can’t; they are physiological impossibilities. But, Mary is a model of faith. She takes God at his word and simply believes. She doesn’t need to understand it to believe it; it’s enough that God has said it.

Application

I wish Mary wrestled with God or expressed doubt because, then, maybe I wouldn’t feel so bad about myself. Unlike Mary, I often need to understand before I believe and act. My immediate response is typically not, “I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (v. 38).” Instead, it is, “God, I don’t get it! How’s that going to work? How is that possible?” And, because it doesn’t make sense, I am tempted to take the more conservative route or not obey at all.

But, God seeks my obedience, not my understanding. To have faith in God is to take him at his word, to take bold steps in dense fog without timidity. Faith looks reckless in the eyes of the world and appears to be filled with risks, but it’s not recklessness at all. Rather, it’s believing that nothing will be impossible with God.

Prayer

Lord, I feel like I’ve been playing it safe for too long. I rationalize it by saying that I’m being responsible, but the truth is that I lack faith. Forgive me. Help me not to trust in reason but to trust in you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

--P. Michael Lee