Hope has a Name Devo Day 7 - December 6

Let’s prayerfully read & reflect on the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 – 45 (a new section we will read for several days), giving special attention to Vs. 26 – 30.

IMAGINE putting yourself in the text:

• V.26 – What conversation do you think might have occurred in heaven when Gabriel was ‘sent by God’ from heaven to Nazareth? _____________________________________.
• V. 27 – Who is Mary? ___________________________. How old do you think she is?_____________ (Mary had hope & expectation of becoming a wife, yet God had even greater hopes and plans for her!)
• V. 28 – Take a deep breath and imagine God saying to Mary – “Greetings, favored woman! The LORD is with you.” Realize God speaks this same promise to you in Hebrews 13: 5 – “I will never leave you or abandon you.,”
• Vs. 29 – 30 – The angel told Mary not to be afraid because she was “deeply troubled.”

PAUSE & MEDITATE – Consider ‘fears’ in your heart. Ask the Lord – What is the cause of my fears? Write down in a journal what He speaks to you.

Now, take a deep breath in and breathe out – and hear these words to Your heart – “DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR YOU HAVE FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD.” The same God who spoke these words to Mary is speaking them to you, as His beloved child.

PRAYER PROMPT: Heavenly Father, Your love drives out fear in my heart. Your loving Presence, I acknowledge, is with me now. The problems and people who bring fear to my heart, I give wholly to You; I give everything and everyone to You, O Lord! I am casting all my anxieties (cares) on You, for I know You care for me, for I humbly pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!