Nov 29 - Peace and Trust

Peace and Trust

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

by Larry Ball

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Key Verse:  Luke 1:26-28
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!  

How often are we surprised by events in our lives and ask God, “Why me, and why now?” A young man once had this question to deal with while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He had contacted the Department of the Army and asked if he could stay another year there to finish his master’s degree.  The initial answer was yes, so he registered, paid his fees and started class.  Then, six weeks later, he received a call from that same office saying that the needs of the army must come before a master’s degree. That was an incredible shock, and certainly not the news he wanted. However, after much prayer, faith, and obedience, that man found peace in knowing that God’s plan is perfect; that plan may not always be what we want, but He knows what we need.

The Annunciation by Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo 

I’m sure Mary must have had similar thoughts and questions when the angel Gabriel told her she was going to have a baby and she was a virgin. She even asked the question, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34) She must have been terrified thinking, “what will the man I’m betrothed to think? Can or will he believe me?” But the angel had already told Mary, “do not be afraid for you have found favor with GOD.” (Luke 1:30) It is no secret what God can do; He knew her heart and her thoughts and her fears, and He sent an angel to tell Joseph that all was well and he had nothing to fear. And Joseph too trusted God and his plan. And just as it was with Mary and Joseph, as they found peace and joy in knowing and trusting in God’s perfect plan, we too need to let go and let God work His perfect plan in our lives. And the peace that passes all understanding can work in our lives.

Father God, open our hearts and minds and help us find PEACE 

and understanding in your perfect plan for our lives, 

as we give you all the praise and glory. AMEN