“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:36-38).
Our December study is entitled “My Name is Favor.” During this season when we commemorate the birth of Christ, it seems appropriate that we take a look at the “handmaid of the Lord” named Mary. In each week of study, we will see qualities she possessed that we should possess as well.
Today’s verses mention two women who loved God enough to take Him at His word. Elisabeth was older and had been barren. Mary was a young virgin. God worked through both women to accomplish His will. Two miracles happened because both women had the faith to believe nothing is impossible with God.
This week we will focus on Mary’s surrender of her own will and acceptance of God’s will. I like these statements: “First and foremost, to be of any use to God, Mary had to surrender herself unconditionally: her body, her emotions, her future, her reputation, her everything.” Have we been willing, as Mary, to say, “…be it unto me according to thy word…”? This admission is the beginning of living up to the name of Favor.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for three young men in São Paulo, Brazil—Daniel, Hattus and José—as they prepare for their ordination into the gospel ministry by the end of this year.
