God’s Plan or My Plan???

My daughter Julianna and I were watching the movie “Nazareth” the other night when she whispered out loud, “Of all the women in the world, wonder why God chose Mary?”
My thoughtless response was “she was willing”.

No real contemplation, just an automatic, “wise woman of God”, “Bible Teacher that I am”, kind of thing to say.

This morning, as I continued my traditional prayer chair Christmas story reading, I was reading about Joseph and I thought a bit more deeply about her comment. Actually, honestly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of her words. He does that.

The foundation of the Christmas story is all about a man and woman who were willing to trade their life plan for God’s. THAT, my friend, is BIG!!! That is no easy task. Nor is it a ONE-TIME effort.

Matt 1:19 reveals the facts that Joseph’s first thought upon discovering the unplanned pregnancy of his fiancée’ was to “divorce her quietly”. One version I read this morning says he “was minded,” another said he “decided”. Of course, to his eternal credit, Matt 1:24 says, “When Joseph WOKE UP, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. Good choice Joe.

How easy it is for me to choose my plan instead of God’s plan especially if it involves my reputation, hardship, rejection, humility, pride, fear, the negative opinions of others……sleeping in a barn???

Mary, as we know, after throwing off a few doubts and questions quickly turned her heart towards God plan. (I love it that she at least CHALLENGED/QUESTIONED/DOUBTED the Angel of the Lord. I mean at least THAT makes me feel a little better.)

I have always cherished Mary’s final words in Luke 1:38

“I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. May it be done to me according to your WORD”.

I LOVE that! I want that!!

It made me think this Christmas Eve morning.

I wonder, how many times this past year have I said YES to God’s Word and NO to my own life plan? Really??

What might be in my life right now, today, that God is asking me to do that is not really a part of my plan?

What is God asking you to do that might not be in YOUR plans??

Each Christmas is more precious than the last.

Not because the year has been perfect but because regardless of how we did last year, we have the GIFT of today to say

“YES GOD, May it be done to me according to your Word.”