Trusting God with Hard Stuff and Difficult Stretches

Written by: Scotty Smith

     “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, we understand Mary's shock and unbelief, in response to the news she would be your mother. The great promises you have made often collide with the impossibilities in our hearts, stories, and world. But the consistent refrain of your Word is, "Nothing is impossible with God.”

Everything you’ve promised will come to pass--no exceptions. All of your promises find their Yes in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20), and your promises include your work in our lives--us, your beloved daughters and sons.

As surely as you placed the life of Jesus in Mary, you have done the same for us. Though in an entirely different way than Mary, we too are “pregnant with glory” (Rom. 8:18-27). You definitely will complete your "good work" in our lives, and in the lives of our children and friends (Phil. 1:6). Christ is being formed in us this very moment (Gal. 4:19). One Day we will be as lovely and as loving as Jesus, and nothing can keep that from happening (1 Jn. 3:1-1). Perhaps, soon, Lord?

But well before that Day, you are at work in this day as well. When we "blow it" royally, you love us radically. When we are faithless, you remain faithful. When we doubt you, you delight in us. When we feel estranged from your love and hope, you are nearer than our next breath and every new bit of bad news. When Satan would take us down, you remind us you raised us up in Jesus. When we, like Jonah, would run away, you out run us. When we want to give up, you remind us Jesus up his life for us. Thank you, Father, THANK you. So very Amen we pray in Jesus’ exalted name.