Nougat 14

What do we do when God’s calling seems absolutely impossible? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” … Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬, ‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

She was approached by God, not the other way around; how could she be a God-chaser? Moreover, she was the bearer of Jesus, so it really doesn’t add up. Can it be that although we chase after God, we must recognize that God’s chasing after us in order that we fulfill our divine purpose?

Hmmn

Consider …

Abram was a God-chaser. He had to walk away from family, friends and even foes to find and fulfill his purpose. But God visited him first. Noah, Moses, several others … they had their personal vision, visitation or selection (e.g. David was selected) by God and were subsequently anointed for the task. So Mary ought not to be exempt because of her angelic visitation.

We note that Mary was favored, or blessed. And, in light of her task, she was definitely favored. To be the bearer of the Christ-child is definitely proof of divine favor; but that doesn’t mean she was exempt from challenges. If, for even a remote second, she counted the cost – and she did – then we have no doubt that she was a God-chaser. For it could not have been an easy decision to be single and pregnant with a child no one would believe was God’s!

Having counted the cost, Mary’s yes resounded through the heavens. Also on earth and under the earth. It may seem to have been heard by none on earth, but Elizabeth heard and acknowledged the yes in her salutation to Mary (see verses 42 and 43). Elizabeth didn’t question the logic of Mary’s story; she understood and believed. My siblings in Christ, as we chase God, as we seek to obey God’s direction; there will be at least one witness who will affirm our purpose. May we find and be that person.

Her yes did resound under the earth as Matthew tells us that Joseph doubted, Herod attempted murder and then mandated infanticide to counter God’s plans. Luke mentions the accommodation scarcity and the subsequent refugee status when the Savior was to be born. A status that was concretely solidified by Herod’s plans, resulting in the flight to Egypt (see Matthew 2). Yes, her Yes echoed under the earth, and we all are beneficiaries for her Yes.

Chasing God, even when it’s in response to God’s invitation, is risky business. A bold step of faith. And while it confirms our divine favor; there are hurdles that demand that we are confident in our decision. Is God calling us to seek God with our everything – if yes, how do we respond?

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May all we seek be found in Christ