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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
After the angel, Gabriel, told Mary that she would be with child, she hurried to see her cousin, Elizabeth. Gabriel had told Mary that Elizabeth was going to have a baby in her old age. Mary went to see Elizabeth for confirmation. Gabriel said that Elizabeth was six months along, so the pregnancy would be evident.
Mary needed to see with her own eyes that the person who had been unable to conceive and was well past childbearing years was now pregnant. If God could perform a miracle with Elizabeth, a virgin birth was not out of the question. When Mary arrived, she saw the proof. Elizabeth’s baby “leaped for joy,” in her womb. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary was blessed and would be the mother of the Lord.
When God calls us to do great things, he gives us proof that he is at work. In the Old Testament, he proved himself to Moses, Joshua, and Gideon. In the New Testament, he proved himself to the disciples and Paul on the road to Damascus. God seldom calls us to step out with blind faith. He graciously demonstrates that he is at work and his word is true. He did it for Mary; he’ll do it for you.
Talking to God
Father, thank you for providing the truth I need to follow hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For parents: Share with your children a time when God provided proof for something he was calling you to do. We would love to hear your “proof story” as well. Send it to us at prayer@ronmoore.org.
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This Week on The Journey Broadcast:
Hi Ron, u mentioned a few days ago about a story showing Gods promises. My wife and I r at the point in our lives that we really don’t have wants for Christmas. We still budget like we did when our kids were young. But instead of giving gifts to each other we select a family to give too. Please understand this is not bragging. This shows Gods goodness and faithfulness . Years ago when my children were little and we didn’t have 2 cents to rub together I will never forget my desperation prayer to God.I had just finished paying bills, of course not much left over. I was on my knees (I even remember the color of the bed spread ) and prayed to God that some day we would b in the position to help others instead of being the ones needing help. He has done that beyond my expectations. Now when part of me might think I don’t need to give that much to a family – my heart stirs and I remember that prayer vividly and relax to give what is right. God is faithful.