By“[28] The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” [29] Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. [30] But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” — Luke 1:28-30 NIV
Life is in seasons. Often when it’s time to step into a new season of your prophetic destiny, especially as a believer who has knowledge about your purpose, strange things begin to happen.
Naturally, people tend to be more resistant to change. That is why many get accustomed to living an ordinary life without taking huge steps of faith.
Recently, a friend shared with me how resistive his mother was when he said he wanted to start his business right after his tertiary education. The mum was thinking about him finding a job. But this friend of mine was thinking about impacting many people through business.
I suppose Mary was simply living a normal life without pressure and discomfort. And because she was pledged to get married to Joseph, all that she wanted was to maintain her virginity and also to learn as much from her parents as before getting married. But God stepped in and showed her favour that she’d be the one to carry Jesus in her womb.
That was good news. I mean, isn’t it a great privilege to carry the creator of the whole universe (see Colossians 1:16-17) as a seed in your womb? Of course, it is. But just like how living on purpose is, it’s also filled with much joy, fulfilment as well as discomfort. Why? Because you’ll live restlessly at heart until you see that vision fulfilled.
One great news from heaven threatened her marriage as well as her survival. Joseph was planning on divorcing her quietly after knowing that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 1:19). Secondly, getting pregnant before the public marriage ceremony in Israel those days means one will be stoned to death (see Deuteronomy 22:20-21). So Mary’s life was also under threat. How could she live with this great vision?
Each person’s destiny is unique. And as far as that is concerned, there’ll be variations in how things happen in each person’s life. To someone, God won’t allow him to date or marry until he’s 35 years old. To another, God will make her meet her beloved early in life. Despite these variations, one thing I would like you’ll never do is compare your life to that of others.
As a minister, I do receive complaints from people, especially spinsters above thirty years old, about their parents pressuring them to get married soon. People have followed these societal norms to marry wrongly merely to prove a point to mockers, who don’t even care about these people anyway. Please, it’s better to discern God’s season for your life every year in order to commit to it, or else you’ll live confused.
Mary never knew it was God’s time for her to step into a new phase of her prophetic destiny. So she initially doubted the heavenly news the angel told her until she asked for more explanation (see Luke 1:34). In the same way, friend, God is all-knowing. It’s possible to live yet ignorant that it’s time to step into a new phase of your life. And when God steps in in those moments, instead of rejecting the upward calling, probe for more explanation from the Lord, so that you’ll understand how that new season aligns with His purpose for your life.
As we celebrate Christmas, be mindful that a new year is just around the corner. Go beyond setting new year resolutions. Pray to God to help you discern the season He’s preparing for the year ahead, as well as wisdom and grace to manage that season and merge it with your daily lifestyle.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me to discern every life’s season You lead me into correctly. And give me the wisdom to manage it in sync with other areas of my life, all for Your glory. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 358
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