Living a life that is pleasing to God does not mean we will never face challenges or problems. In fact, one of the ways God demonstrates His pleasure with our life is by giving us far more to do than we can accomplish in our own strength. Sometimes it is as we stand before frightening circumstances that we know God loves us!
Mary lived a righteous life. God was pleased with her humble, obedient heart. He could have rewarded her by granting her a kind husband who provided her a comfortable, undistinguished life in a backwater town in Judea. For some young women, that would be all they would want for their lives. But God desired to do far more through Mary’s life.
God granted Mary the privilege of giving birth to God’s only Son and ushering in God’s plan to redeem lost humanity. She would raise the Messiah! She would watch Him speak to large crowds and perform miracles. But there would also be challenges. She would endure her neighbors discussing how an alleged virgin could give birth to a child. She would hear people from her town mocking her Son for his pretensions at being the Messiah. She would one day stand at the foot of the cross where He would be crucified. Mary’s life would not be easy. But it would always enjoy God’s favor. To receive God’s favor means He sweeps you in to the midst of His activity. Are you presently experiencing the favor of God on your life?