Women In The Bible Series: Mary – Chosen
Lesson Twelve: Mary – Chosen
Lesson Eleven: Jochabed – A Great Investment | Lesson Ten: Jezebel – Call me Ruthless | Lesson Nine: Huldah – Unveiling the Future | Lesson Eight: Ezekiel's Wife – He's Gone Nuts | Lesson Seven: Ruth: In A Strange Land | Lesson Six: Hagar: A Woman Scorned | Lesson Five: A Shulamite: The Beloved | Lesson Four: Wisdom: A Woman Called By This Name | Lesson Three: Zipporah: Married to the Ministry | Lesson Two: Tamar: Overcoming Your Past | Lesson One: Leah: The Unloved
Hello ladies, and welcome to my blog! This year I am going to write a series called Women of the Bible, where I will explore the lives of some of the Bible’s most notable female characters. I believe every woman’s story can be found in God’s Word – and those stories can bring hope and encouragement. I will touch on some serious topics such as rape, suicide and jealousy, along with some lighter ones such as love, righteousness and more. Together, we can discover what the Lord is speaking to His beautiful bride.
Before we begin, I also want to thank you for joining me throughout last year’s series on Church Decorum. If you like what you read, send me comments and let me know – it encourages me to keep writing!
Taking this journey together,
First Lady Vivian Pruitte
***
No one will believe me, how will I explain this to Joseph? Mary thinks to herself.
Showing up pregnant during my engagement period is unforgivable. How will I explain it to my parents – oh, the shame I will bring upon them! Mary paces her room, desperate with thoughts racing through her head.
Oh, why did I say yes? I should have asked the angel to stick around and explain the plan to everybody. What was I thinking?
***
“Joseph, I don’t deserve you. Any other man would not have been understanding. I’m so grateful that the angel came to you also,” Mary exclaims, relieved.
“Now I’m glad I said yes! What an honor it will be to care for the Son of our God – I can’t believe God chose us!”
***
Kissing the face of God was a privilege afforded to a special young woman. Can you imagine waking up every morning to see the face of God staring back at you? At the same time, what an awesome responsibility was placed on the shoulders of this same young woman!
When Mary was approached with this task, she readily accepted. Rather than think of all the things that could go wrong, she considered herself blessed among women to have been chosen. When the Lord chooses us to do a work for Him, we may seem excited at first, but then reality sets in and we begin to wonder how we are going to accomplish such a great task.
Mary must have had some sleepless nights wondering how she was going to care for God’s child. As mothers caring for young children, we are often concerned with their safety. How much more concerned Mary must have been, knowing that her baby was not an ordinary baby, but the Son of God. She must have had many sleepless nights, worried that He might fall and hurt himself.
One problem we encounter when the Lord chooses us is that we often mistakenly think we have to carry out the assignment in our own strength. On our own the task would be insurmountable, but with the help of God nothing is impossible for us to accomplish successfully. God never leaves us to our own devices to do His work. He is there every step of the way to lead us and guide us through it. The task may not be easy, but it will certainly not be unachievable.
When God chooses us to do something or experience something, it is because He has confidence in us and believes that we can do it. Additionally, He is expecting us to look to Him for direction. When the Lord chose Mary, He had already prepared the way for her to care for the child. All the provisions were made and steps were directed. So when God makes choice of you, remember He has already made the way for you to accomplish it. What a privilege it is to be chosen of God!
During this joyous time of year, it is my prayer that you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! I look forward to a new year of sharing with you.