Today begins a four-part series on the response to the news of the birth of Jesus. Posts will publish Tuesdays and Thursdays before Christmas.
Upset Plans
The excitement is still there from the engagement. Everyone offered congratulations. Anticipation of life together, a future as a couple. Then the unexpected changes everything.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus (Luke 1:30-31, NASB).”
How could this possibly happen? Yet God does what he says he will do. He can do what seems impossible.
“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month (Luke 1:36).”
All those plans made for the future. What will happen to them now? What will others think when they find out? God has been faithful in the past. He can be trusted for the future.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38, NIV).”
What do you do when God upsets your plans for your life with His calling? Are you fearful of the unknown, scared about what others will think? Do you have doubts about what God can do? Trust Him. Open your life to Him. Lay aside your plans in favor of His plans for your life. Be open to being the Lord’s servant, and let His Word be fulfilled in your life.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart – Luke 2:18, NIV
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – Luke 18:27
140 Character Christian 
Chris, your post takes me back to a major U-turn in my teaching career. Being settled in where I wanted to teach, live, and worship. Faced with being laid off, my young family was caught quite unprepared. Our faith and trust was tested, but God continued to lead us forward to greener pastures.