Saturday, March 8 Luke 1:30-31

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

KEEP TALKING TO GOD, NO MATTER WHAT

The news that a baby is on the way is greeted many different ways. Some women who have been trying for a long time to have a child are usually elated. Others who are not financially secure or who are in a not advantageous position may not be so pleased. Mary was part of the second group. The Bible says she protested to the angel that she didn`t even have a husband! How could this be happening to her?

The Bible often relates instances when angels deliver messages to regular people. They are usually quite surprised, as Mary was. In later verses we learn she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was having her own problems bearing a child. But Elizabeth was delighted because she — Elizabeth — was now pregnant!

I cannot say that God has spoken to me. Maybe I just wasn`t listening! I certainly speak to him quite often, but I cannot say he answers my questions or sends word on how to get myself out of a situation. I just have to step up and know that God`s way and mine can be tremendously different. I believe that is why some people give up on organized religion. They feel it is not meeting their particular needs.

Over time, my husband Clarence and I had three children, now fully grown. It took a long time for Jeff, our eldest, to arrive: 1968-1971 to be exact. Joshua came along three years later and Gretchen was a total surprise three more years later. This tale shows me that God knew I would not have been able to handle being a good mother to more than one, tiny helpless child at a time.

Actually, Mary had a pretty good deal: She was engaged to a man of worth who loved her and was willing to accept a miracle when he, Joseph, was also visited by an angel. A miracle we recently celebrated.

How does this text relate to us in 2025? I am not a biblical scholar, as you know. All I can say is keep speaking to God and try to live a life serving him.

Heavenly Father, please help me to speak often to you, not always asking for things but offering thanks in equal amounts for what I have. Please help me to follow your path, and help me to care for others. Amen

Suzanne Koch

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