The Winning Formula

27 December 2018

In this world today, there are many formulas that people use to work out various ways of doing things. Many of them are very effective. However, I feel that God had a better formula, in fact - the best.
Let's take a look in Luke at a good example of the formula that God has given us;

In Luke 1:26 - 38 we read about the angel Gabriel's visitation to the virgin, Mary where he greeted her with the words:

'Rejoice' highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.'

When she saw and heard the angel, she was troubled and a little scared - wouldn't you be? The angel went on to tell her that she had found favour with God. He then went on to explain that she would give birth to a child who would be great and would be called Son of the Highest and he would reign over the house of Jacob forever and there would be no end to His Kingdom.
Pretty powerful stuff.
Mary was perplexed and wanted to know how this could happen because she had not known a man. Gabriel explained that the Power of the Holy Spirit would come upon her by way of incarnation and she would have the child - the Holy One.
Gabriel told her that with God, nothing is impossible. Mary replied with:

'Let it be to me according to your word.' v38

The formula had taken place.
Firstly in verse 34 Mary had asked, 'How can this happen. ?' Therefore, she was enquiring how on earth could this happen? We may well have asked God similar things ourselves on numerous occasions.
Secondly, in verse 37, the angel Gabriel answered her that it would happen by faith - God's faith, not her's.
Thirdly, in verse 38, there was agreement. Mary said, 'Let it be to me according to your word.'

How? Asking God for help, assistance and guidance can often leave us with this question. It is seeking and He loves us to do that.
Faith  Many many times, faith has to be in the equation somewhere. In this case it was God, Mary had none. However, God will give us the faith we need to carry His plan forward, which was what happened to Mary.
Agreement When we've asked God for something or He has promised us a certain thing, we need faith to bring it about. God gave enough faith to Mary to help her to say, 'Ok, let it be'.
And that is how God's winning formula begins.

If you would like to receive Daily Life with Jesus delivered to you inbox. Please contact me