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THE FIRST VISIT TO NAZARETH Luke 1:26-38 Mary may have been about fifteen years old when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. The angel’s announcement that Mary would soon give birth in a miraculous way, to the very son of God, would mean the end of a normal life for her. In a moment of time, everything changed. Would she be accused of adultery? Would Joseph, whom she loved, put her through a humiliating divorce? Would she be shamed and rejected by her friends and family? Many questions may have crossed her mind; even so, Mary didn’t need to ask God to explain all the details of his plans for her. Mary’s response was overflowing with genuine trust in God and abandonment to his plans and purposes. “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." Mary knew that she was in God’s hands, and that God’s presence would be with her. She also knew her God was able to do what he says he will do. She not only knew it, but also lived it. For genuine trust will always be evidenced by an obedient and believing life. Genuine trust will always catch the attention of the enemy. We can expect that our trust in God will be tested. God never promises that everything will be trouble-free and effortless. God will allow difficult times to come upon us that we don’t understand. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It is God’s desire that we will meet these uncertainties in our daily lives like Mary did, with complete faith and trust in God’s continuing presence and his abilities. I do believe that God must be given that “room of trust” that is within us. For if we are not trusting him in the next moment, how can we trust him for the salvation of our souls? And if we say that we are trusting in Christ for salvation, but it doesn’t translate into trusting him right now in our daily lives, then how real can that trust truly be? Nothing that is within us is hidden from his eyes. He knows everything we’re going through right now. He knows all our problems and he has the answer. It’s Jesus. He has loved us with an everlasting love and has given himself to be a constant helper, not only in times of trouble, but also during times of blessing. For he himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb.13:5-6). And of his kingdom there will be no end. "What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom.8:31). ~ Jim Krauser
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