For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. Luke 1:49. NLT.
This past week, I was prepping for our small group study in the book of Luke. During my preparation, I came across this scripture. This is part of Mary’s song of praise to God, newly pregnant and enjoying fellowship with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, who is past childbearing age, is also six months pregnant. The child within Elizabeth leapt when he heard Mary’s greeting.
To me one of the great things I would be grateful for if I were Mary, would be God’s great gift of having someone who was also going through an unique experience. After her angelic encounter, Mary traveled from Galilee to Judea, not a short distance. What a joy to have Elizabeth acknowledge and confirm the special gift Mary was carrying. God confirmed it to Elizabeth by her baby John’s response in her womb. I just think that was an extra special great thing God did for these two women.
This scripture gave me pause to stop and think about all my great things God has done for me. My salvation is the first, of course. Most of the great things I have are people! It is a wonder to me how God connected the dots of my life to lead me to meeting and marrying my husband. I experienced a broken relationship, which led to an adventure in Kodiak, AK. Finally, a letter to a friend back in Seattle led me to meet the man I would marry. Our life together led us to experience so many great things. I can only stop and look in awe at Him and His ways. My heart is humbled but also joyous as I think about the privilege we had the opportunity to touch lives. I think part of Mary’s rejoicing was her looking at the bigger picture of Israel’s lives. She was celebrating what He had done, what He was doing and what He was going to do. So many times we get focused on the perceived negative challenges we currently face, rather than understanding God’s bigger plan.
Our children and grandchildren are another one of the great things God has done in my life. The lessons I’ve learned through and from them are amazing. Elizabeth and Zechariah were given John’s purpose early in life. Mary knew that Jesus was destined to be the Savior of the world. God told us early on that Rosanna would be a “singer” for the Lord. Funny thing, we never told her about it until God began opening doors for training and opportunity. Today, she is the worship leader for her church. My son has had a teaching bent since he was young. He can look at a problem and see its solution. My daughter Elizabeth has the gifts of faith and encouragement. All three of our children married amazing God-loving people. Their individual stories result from a mixture of our prayers, their prayers and God’s grace. These are great things God has given to me. What about you? I urge you to take the time to look at the great things God has done for you.
But those are the big picture great things. How about the smaller great things, things that the Lord is doing right now in your life? Last week during our Seek Week, I ‘tried’ to fast and spend time seeking the Lord extra. It was such a struggle. As I shared my feeling of ‘failure’ with the Lord, He reminded me once again of His love and mercy. I noticed this week, that I have an even greater sense of peace and trust in Him. This too is an incredible, only our God can do such a great thing to change us on the inside! Oh my friends, take time to look for the great things in your life. It will bring joy, gladness and peace to those troubled areas. It will help you release your faith. Our God has greater things planned to do in you and through you. That is who He is.
Father, help us to take the time to look for the great things you have done in our lives. Thank you for the wonderful gift of salvation, that we didn’t deserve. Open our eyes to see where and what you are doing, today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 