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Mary, the mother of Jesus was the most favored person to walk this Earth (besides Jesus).  It sounds like someone who is favored would have an easy life.  However, life was not easy for Mary and Joseph, instead it was very difficult.

Today’s message is about how we are all favored.  We need to learn what that looks like, how to seek refuge in God and how to have confidence in Him.

“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

When his time of service was completed, he returned home.  After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.  “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:18-28.

 

Realize What Favor Looks Like

Mary was favored because she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus.  That meant she might be a single mother if Joseph chose to not marry her.  She had to live a foreign land to protect the life of her child, and she constantly had to be watching over her shoulder.  It was anything but an easy life.  Mary responded to this life by rejoicing and walking in confidence.

Many of us are walking through hard times, too.  We can realize that, like Mary, we have favor with God.  We can live a joyous life, despite the hard seasons.

 

Seek Refuge in the Lord

Mary and Joseph could endure what they endured because God was with them.

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”  Psalm 118:8

Find your refuge in the Lord, not our jobs, relationships, or hobbies.  Anything besides the Lord will let you down.

Have Confidence in God Alone

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

Mary and Joseph were confident in God’s guidance and provision for their lives.  Go to God when you’re struggling.  God answers prayers in HIS timing.  Zechariah and Elizabeth were praying for years for a child.  God didn’t answer sooner because it wasn’t the right time!  Their son was to prepare the way for Jesus.

We are all highly favored because we have salvation.  Stop looking at the hardships, instead focus on what God has done for you.

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