It’s all about the perspective

Day 11

Scripture

Luke 1:46-56

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.  He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.  Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me.  Holy is his name.  He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.  He has shown strength with his arm.  He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.  He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.  He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.  He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”  Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned to her home.

Devotional

When I read about Mary’s reaction to the news that she was pregnant with our Savior, I am so amazed.  I remember when I found out I was pregnant for the first time.  We had been trying for over a year, so to say I was elated is putting it mildly.  Unfortunately, my husband was deployed in a combat zone, and I had no way of telling him. 

Of course, my husband should be the first person I should tell, so for the first three months I didn’t tell anyone.  It was very anti-climactic.

If I try to compare this to Mary I am totally lost.  The stigma of being an unmarried mother alone would have been awful.  How did she tell Joseph?  He wanted to end the engagement. 

Yet, Mary sings praises and considers herself blessed.  Wow, if only all of us could be that way.  When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right?

This is a lesson I know that I need to learn time and time again.  Life is rough.  Bad things happen.  Your attitude alone can turn it all around.  Let us take this Christmas time to thank God for the hard times.  The times that we lean on Him.  Lets us praise His name in the good and the bad times.  For He is our rock.

Prayer

God, thank you so much for fulfilling your promise through the birth of Jesus. Thank you for helping me to grow through the good time and the bad.  Remind me to praise your name no mater what life throws my way. Help me to spread that joy this year to everyone I meet.  Praise the Lord the Savior is born. 

Challenge

Take time today to notice those going through hard times and lend them a hand.  Take the time to listen to them, give understanding and pray with the for God to be there for them.  

By Christy Schwartz