The Almighty has done great things for me

Have you ever noticed how the world tries to convince us that nothing is ever good enough?   If we’re unhappy at work, we should leave and get another job.   Even if we like our jobs, we should still be searching for better opportunities.   If we are having problems with our marriage, we should simply call it a loss and go look for another spouse.   The problem with this approach is that we will never find contentment.   What we are really looking for is something that can not be found on earth—godly perfection.

Mary certainly did not find perfection on earth.   She endured her neighbors’ suspicions when she became pregnant and had to give birth to her child in a stable.   She and Joseph certainly were not the wealthiest couple in Nazareth, and life must have been a challenge after Joseph died.   Yet from her words, we can see that Mary was as grateful as any human being ever has been.  That is because her gratitude was for the work that God had promised to accomplish through her.   By saying yes to God’s plan, she had the privilege of participating in the salvation of the entire human race!

We can achieve much in this life, and of course, God wants us to aim high.   But like Mary, we also have to recognize when God has given us something great and thank him for it.   As Paul said, “What do you possess that you have not received?”    The most precious of God’s gifts is eternal life.   At least once a day, we should stop and think about the fact that Jesus died for us so that we could live with him forever.

Today, try to make Mary’s words your own: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior”.   If you are angry at someone or if you are unhappy with your situation or if someone has hurt you recently, believe that Jesus is still with you, offering you divine wisdom.   Remember that he has secured a place in his eternal kingdom just for you.    Ask him to help you see your situation through his eyes of mercy, kindness, and grace.

-Word Among Us