But How? I’ve Never…
TUESDAY’S WITH TRACY
“You (Mary) will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus…” “Mary said to the angel, ‘But how? I’ve never slept with a man.’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.’ Then the angel left her.”
– Luke 1:31, 34-38, Message Translation
One can only imagine what Mary was thinking when Gabriel stated that she would become pregnant with child. Her response was, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.” Although this reaction is a logical one, the angel began to share how the Holy Spirit would hover over her and that the child she would give birth to shall be called Holy.
This revelation given by Gabriel to Mary is still true for us today: It is the Holy Spirit who births the impossible. We are simply to be willing vessels like Mary ready to serve God here on earth. My question for you today is, what is your “but how? I’ve never” excuse to God for not fulfilling what He is has called you to do? Perhaps you would say “but how? I’ve never . . . gotten a degree, gone to toast master’s, been mentored, gone to seminary, or seen worthy by others.” The great news is that the dilemma of “but how? I’ve never” is totally cancelled when the Holy Spirit is brought into the situation. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
Prayer:
Lord, please forgive me for all my excuses. I want to be like Mary, a willing vessel ready to say, “yes” to your plans. I realize that I cannot do anything on my own, but only through the power of Your Spirit. Therefore I ask you Holy Spirit, to do the impossible and help me to fulfill my destiny here on earth. I celebrate the gift of Jesus this day and declare that all things are possible this Christmas season! Help those around me to know the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Amen.
Merry Christmas and remember to celebrate the real gift – Jesus! I love you! – Tracy Hurst
