Highly Favored

 It’s less than one week until Christmas. I’m sure you have all heard the Christmas story as told in Luke 1. One thing that has stuck out to me lately is Luke 1:28; 1:30 “And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” These verses say that Mary was highly favored, blessed among women, and had found favor with God. According to the Blue Letter Bible app highly favored means to “honor with blessings”, blessed means to “be favored of God”, and favor means “the kindness of a master toward his inferiors or servants, and so especially of God toward men”. Now you would think that this would mean that Mary would have an easy life. I mean she was highly favored by God, but that isn’t so. Let’s look at the kind of life that Mary had. 

  First, she was betrothed to Joseph. So, to be bethored in biblical times was considered a legal contract. They were considered married, but didn’t live together, and didnt consummate the marriage until the wedding, and it could only be broken by divorce. To be found pregnant while betrothed was a really big deal. It meant that they, or at least she, broke the laws of the Jews. Well Joseph knew that he wasn’t the father of the baby, so he was going to divorce her, but God told him not to. I’m sure that Mary was adamant that she had not broken the law, that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Well, we can imagine how well she was believed. Even her betrothed didn’t believe her, but he went ahead with the marriage because God told him to. She was probably ostracized by her community, and her family. Her husband probably didn’t trust her. I’m sure she felt very alone.

   Second, we look at the birth of the baby. Mary and Joseph had traveled a long way for a census. They couldn’t find a guest room to stay in, all of the were taken by others who had also traveled for the census. The only room they could find, was one where the animals were kept. Imagine giving birth surrounded by animals. I mean, I love animals, but I don’t really want the at my bedside while I’m giving birth. Mary gave birth to baby Jesus, wrapped him up tight, and laid him in the animal’s feed trough. I’m sure this wasn’t anywhere near what her birth plan looked like. 

So, Mary has given birth to the baby, and they were visited by shepherds, and then magi. Then one night Joseph had a dream, and they have to get up, pack the essentials quickly, and get out of there, because Herod was trying to kill baby Jesus. They fled to Egypt, where they stayed until God gave the all clear. Whew! What a life so far. I’m sure Mary wasn’t feeling very favored or blessed. She didn’t know that the worst was yet to come. 

   Joseph wasn’t mentioned much after all of this. We can assume that he died in some way, but the Bible doesn’t say what happened to him. Mary does go on to have more children, siblings to Jesus. Jesus grows up, and starts His earthly ministry. I’m sure that Mary was getting more concerned as the years went by. She had to stand by, and watch, as her first born child was ridiculed, and talked about. Also, people hadn’t forgotten about the fact that she became pregnant before marriage. I’m sure her life was very hard. Then came the unthinkable, her first born child was crucified on the cross, and killed. Jesus was killed by Mary’s own people. She was heartbroken, and she just didn’t understand. Jesus had put her in the care of John, she would be taken care of, but she wasn’t really thinking about that I’m sure. Where was the favor? Where was the blessing? Then, on the third day, she got news that Jesus was alive. Can you imagine that? Watching your child die, then someone telling you that he wasn’t dead. I’m sure she had so many thoughts, and emotions running through her head. I’m sure at some point she realized exactly what it all meant. What the Angel meant about Jesus, what Jesus dying on the cross, then rising again on the third day meant. Jesus wasn’t just her beloved Son. He was the Savior of the whole world. There was the favor. There was the blessing. 

   Favor and blessing doesn’t mean you will have an easy life. Sometimes it means the exact opposite. Mary’s life was hard because she was favored, and blessed. But Mary’s life, and everyone else’s life was fulfilled because of that favor and blessing also. Because Mary was favored, and blessed, and because she was faithful to not give up, we have our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. We must remember that we are also favored and blessed by God, because of what Jesus did for us. It doesn’t mean our life will be easy, because it won’t be easy. I want to go into this new year, 2026, remembering that I am favored, and blessed, and no matter what I go through, I have an amazing, and awesome Heavenly Father, and a Savior who loves me, and has promised that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) God will work out ALL things for our good, and His glory. 

For Harm, Or For Good?

 I have been reading in Acts the past few days, and yesterday something stuck out to me. Towards the end of the book of Acts, Paul was arrested, and brought before the governor to be tried. The governor kept dragging his feet about Paul until he finally retired, or was fired, and left Paul to be dealt with by the incoming governor. The new governor did’nt know what to do with Paul. King Agrippa, and his wife, were visiting the governor, so Paul was summoned to speak to them. Paul ended up having to appeal to Caesar, which was Nero at that time, but what stuck out to me was the fact that Paul was able to tell kings, and other important officials, about Jesus. What Satan had meant for harm, have Paul arrested, and possibly executed, God turned to good, people hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. One of my favorite Bible verses is “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭There is always good in everything. Do I believe that we will always see the good, no, but I believe it is there, and I claim it as a promise from God. 

This morning I was reading my Advent devotion, on joy, and I got to thinking how hard the Christmas season is for so many people. Just about everyone is struggling in some way. I think that is Satan trying to distract us from the meaning of Christmas. Satan wants us struggling, focused on our trials, and tribulations, he doesn’t want us to focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love that comes with the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. But again, I believe that what Satan means for harm, God brings good from. I think that through these struggles and trials, we can really feel God’s love, and presence all around us. A simple Christmas song can bring so much joy to our lives, or even a few Christmas decorations. We must make an effort to not let the struggles distract us from God’s love, and presence, but God will make Himself known to us. We must only seek Him, and find Him, when we seek Him with all of our hearts. (Jeremiah 29:23)

While there is always good in everything, I do realize that some struggle during this season because of grief. Whether it’s from the passing of a loved one, or maybe family that is no longer a part of your life, this makes it so hard to really experience the joy of Christmas. Let me just say this, God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He is close to you. He wants to comfort you, and to hold you close. It’s ok to grieve what you have lost. God understands, and He is right there to comfort you, if you allow Him to. My prayer, this season, is for all of those who are struggling, for whatever reason. I pray that you feel God’s loving arms holding you tightly, that you feel His loving presence, and that you have the hope, peace, and joy that this season is about. Christmas doesn’t always have to look perfect, as long as you look to the reason for Christmas. I’m praying for each of you, andI pray that you all have an amazing Christmas filled with God’s presence. 

Some More Soul Searching

 I’m going to come right out, and say it, I have a big problem with pride. I used to think I didn’t, but God has been working on me, and showing me the ways that pride shows up in me. Pride is thinking of yourself too much. There are many ways that pride shows up in my life. I have always been a shy, introverted person. A few years ago, God showed me how being shy, a certain kind of shy, is actually pride. When all I’m thinking about is how other people are thinking about me, that is pride. If I’m constantly thinking that other people think I’m horrible, or that they are making fun of me, then I’m constantly thinking about me, and that is pride. People pleasing is pride. I tend to think more about what others think about me, than what God thinks about me. I care more about others, than about God. 

Then there is the other side of pride, thinking that I’m better than others, and being judgmental. I often catch myself feeling upset with another person because of something that person did. It really pushes my buttons when people park in a parking spot that isn’t for them. Whether it’s not a parking spot at all, a handicap spot, or a curbside pick up spot, and someone parks there then goes inside the store. Often God has to remind me, in these instances, that I do things I’m not supposed to as well, and I am no better than they are. No sin is greater than any other, we are all sinners. 

I think one of the biggest pride areas I struggle with is control. I have a really bad control issue. It comes from childhood, and adult trauma, which is a reason, but not an excuse. When I try to control things, I’m essentially saying my way is better, I am better, you are not. Lately, when I am struggling with control, God has been asking me, “what’s the worse thing that can happen if this doesn’t get done your way?” And honestly that stings a bit. It’s not the end of the world if things don’t get done the way I think they should be done. If it doesn’t affect my salvation, or another person’s salvation, then I don’t need to be so rigid about it. 

God really spoke to me about this while studying for this week’s Sunday School lesson. The lesson is in 2 Corinthians and is about Paul, and his thorn in the flesh. Here is the passage “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭ Paul states that God gave him the thorn in the flesh to keep him from being prideful. God doesn’t leave it there though. God tells Paul that He will take care of Him. I was doing some digging into these verses, one of my commentaries stated that to acknowledge that God is sufficient, we must also acknowledge that we are insufficient. That stung, but I had to realize that I don’t got this, I’m not sufficient, and I need help. Specifically I need God’s help. I cannot do it. When I admit this, and accept God’s Grace, and help in my life, it makes it so much easier. Now, I just have to remember these lessons that God has been teaching me lately, which is a tough job in itself. I often tend to revert back to habit, instead of relying on what I have learned in the past. 

A Little Bit of Soul Searching

 

I realized something yesterday, I realized that I have let my faith shrink. I have been neglecting my spiritual health, and the consequences have been that my faith has shrunk. It all started with the Sunday School lesson yesterday morning. It was on Matthew 17:14-20. Jesus, Peter, James, and John have come down off of the mountain, where the transfiguration occurred, to chaos. A man was with the disciples asking them to heal his son. The disciples tried, but couldn’t do it. Jesus heals the man’s son, and when asked by his disciples why they couldn’t do it, Jesus responds with, “because of your little faith.” Jesus goes on to say that if you have faith “the size of a mustard seed”, then you could move mountains. A mustard seed is very tiny, but the plant that grows is very big, and strong, and tenacious. It’s invasive, and a nightmare to farmers. It kind of reminds me of kudzu. It’s grows where it wants to, it digs its roots in deep, and it refuses to die. I believe that is what Jesus was talking about when he told His disciples to have faith as a mustard seed. 

Faith should be like a spark, starting off small, but growing strong, and wild, and unrelenting, into a roaring fire. The thing is, though, is we have to take care of our faith. We have to feed it, and nurture it, or we run the risk of it shrinking, or even dying. How do we nurture our faith? Well Romans 10:17 says, “so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” One way we nurture our faith is by reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible. Another way to nurture our faith is through our past experiences. I have been through a lot in my life, but God has always been there. He has never let me down. If He has always taken care of me, then I should have the faith that He will continue to take care of me. 

I also realized, yesterday, where my peace has gone. We are in the second week of Advent, which focuses on peace. I found myself thinking that I don’t have peace, and wondering where it was. Kind of like the song “Where are you Christmas?” by Faith Hill, I was singing, Where are you peace. This time God spoke to me in a sermon. Do you know what He told me? He told me that I have a control issue. I already knew this, but I was in denial that I had let it get so out of hand again. The truth is, God is in control, and I am not. That, really, should be comforting. I have messed up so many times in my life, but God never has. His way is perfect, and good will always come from everything. So, when I trust Him to be in control, I can have peace knowing that I am being taken care of. 

This past week was rough, and this current week will be even more rough. Honestly, I had worked myself up into a tizzy about this week. I have 6 appointments this week. It’s going to be exhausting, but after yesterday’s Sunday School lesson, and last night’s sermon, and after repenting, and surrendering to God, I now have much more peace about this week. I don’t have all the other junk clouding my thinking about this week. Will I have to repent, and surrender again? Probably so, because I’m human, I’m a creature of habit, and I’m stubborn, but I’m also a child of the Most High God, and everything that happens will not only bring good, but it will also bring me closer to looking more like Jesus. 

Holidays With Chronic Illness

 I had a good Thanksgiving weekend, although I struggled through each day. That’s what you have to deal with when you have chronic Illness. Things that others do, can take so much more out of you. We had a small Thanksgiving, just myself, my husband, and our oldest daughter. We cooked, we ate, and we watched movies. It was still too much for me. Friday, my husband and I went out to celebrate my birthday early. We were out all day, and I struggled. I had fun, and enjoyed myself, but I struggled. At one point I said to my husband that I get to have all the effects of being drunk; the head spinning, off balance, nausea, and also fatigued, but without having actually drunk any alcohol. I also failed to drink enough water, which impacted me as well. Saturday I enjoyed shopping with my oldest daughter, and some friends, but by the time I got home I was ready for my recliner and my heating pad. My husband wanted to watch the Iron Bowl, Roll Tide, so I got that going, but went to bed half way through the first quarter. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. He came to bed, later, very grump. I married an Auburn fan. lol. Yesterday was filled with church, and fighting whatever this sickness is that I have felt coming for a few days. It was so bad that I took a COVID/flu test because I thought I might have one of those. Thankfully, it was negative. Today is my birthday, but I ended up canceling my plans with a friend because I’m feeling so awful, from being sick, and also from going almost nonstop for over a month now. My body has had enough. I made a quick trip to Dollar General for some soup, but otherwise I have stayed in my recliner with my heating pad on. So, why am I saying all of this? To let you know just how hard the holidays are for those who have a chronic illness. If you have a loved one with a chronic illness, don’t get upset with them when they can’t do something, or they cancel plans. They want to do all the things, they just can’t. 

I love Christmas, and I usually have the Christmas tree and decorations up around the first of November. The past few years, though, I haven’t had the energy for that. I love making homemade Christmas gifts, but I haven’t been able to do much that either. I love to cook, and bake, and give the stuff I make away. It just hasn’t been happening the past few years, and I need to learn to be ok with that. 

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, my pastor did a sermon on anxiety, and the best way to combat anxiety is with thanksgiving. I have learned that, when I start to get down because of everything I can’t do, all I need to do is think of all the things I have to be thankful for, and it instantly perks me up. Thanksgiving can be useful for so many things. Even in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the antidote for the dementors, which symbolize depression(and I would argue anxiety as well), is the Patronus Charm. To perform the Patronus Charm, you must think of a happy memory, the things you have to be thankful for. For Harry those things were his parents, and his friends. 

The holidays are hard for so many people, for so many reasons. Let’s remember to show some grace, compassion, and kindness this holiday season. And let’s always remember to be thankful, we have so much to be thankful for. I once heard a saying, “what if tomorrow the only things we had were the things we were thankful for today?” That right there says a lot. I hope you all have an amazing holiday season.