Luke 1:56-58
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
Mary stays with her cousin for a few months and then leaves to go back home. She fades into the background for a few verses as the birth of John takes place. Both women understand that they have been chosen for God’s greater purposes. God chose the extraordinary birth of John to begin the chain of events that would not only prepare the way for His promised Messiah, but also the Messiah himself. Notice how God used some pretty ordinary people, the wife of a priest as well as the future wife of a carpenter to bring about His unfathomable plan of salvation. Such is the way that God chooses to work. Again, He often uses some ordinary people to do the most extraordinary things. What “us” ordinary people need to do is be willing participants in His plans. He doesn’t care about our status, wealth, intelligence, or abilities, although He can use such things for His glory as well. What He really cares about is our availability and willingness to be used. Allow God to use you for His glory today, no matter who you are, what you have, or what abilities you possess. He can and He will!
Father God, I thank you for making me who I am. You have given me blessings, gifts, and abilities to use for your glory. Use me for Your glory today as I strive to live out Your will for me in this life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
