Hope

Hope

Nothing is impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

The angel’s announcement of the virgin birth had the word impossible written all over it. Mary wasn’t married, she hadn’t experienced sexual relations, and she was probably no older than fourteen. Furthermore, Nazareth, Mary’s hometown, was an unlikely location for an important proclamation such as this. Not even mentioned in the Old Testament, Nazareth was despised by the people in Judah.

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he gave her a lot of information in a short amount of time. He told her that she was favored by God, that God was with her, that she would give birth to a son, and that she should name him Jesus. This would not be just any son—he would be the Son of God, and his kingdom would never end!

Mary’s response provides a pattern for us to follow. She didn’t say, “This is impossible!” She said, “How will this be?” In other words, how will this be possible? She understood what would happen, but she didn’t understand how it would happen.

Are you facing an impossible situation? Do circumstances seem hopeless or insurmountable? Examine the angel’s answer to Mary. The angel announced that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and she would experience the transforming power of God’s presence. He encouraged her with news that Elizabeth, her very old cousin, was also pregnant—another seeming impossibility. With God, nothing is impossible.

As believers, we have the presence of God’s Spirit, who specializes in transforming and encouraging our hearts. May we, like Mary, ask “How?” and submit to God’s transforming power in our lives.

Father,

Forgive us for too often responding to difficulties with “This is impossible!” instead of looking to you and asking, “How, God?” Thanks for your Spirit who teaches and encourages us. Amen.