December 6, 2024 Devo

Favored—what a beautiful word. It could easily be translated as “filled with grace.” Mary was no doubt a devout young lady. God would certainly be a bit picky as to whom He would use to give birth to His Son. But Mary (and Joseph) weren’t chosen because of who they were. They were chosen because of who God is. He is a God of great grace, and He was about to bestow an amazing portion of that grace upon this young engaged couple.
It’s a wonderful thing to be chosen by God for a task. It is a huge honor and a tremendous responsibility. But whatever task or assignment God has for us, one thing is certain: We will need God’s grace to accomplish it. No matter how gifted or fit we are for the task.
That’s an important point to keep in mind. I’m sure that Mary and Joseph were chosen for reasons by God. Certainly, a part was to fulfill the prophecy of being born through the line of David. No doubt God also knew their hearts and the depth of their commitment to Him. But no gifting, wiring, or even spiritual depth could prepare them for the task God was giving them. God was giving them an extraordinary gift of grace—to be the caretakers for the One who would be the Savior of the world. But it wasn’t just a gift of grace. It was a recognition that they would need that grace every single day of their lives.
You, too, are favored. God’s grace rests upon you just like it did upon them. God has chosen you, selected you, and desires to work in you and through you. It is a gift that should make you feel extremely blessed. But also, extremely fearful. You, too, are invited to be a part of the great story of God at work on earth. But like Mary and Joseph, you are not just favored. You are also IN NEED of that favor of God every day of your life. But that’s okay. Because like the young, sweet parents of Jesus, God didn’t choose you because of who you are. He chose you because of who He is. Rest in that, Favored One. That’s God’s Word for you today.