If you are looking for church Family Christmas Events in Kansas City come by and check us out this Sunday at 10am! We will be celebrating with Christmas worship, a Kidz Praiz production and sharing communion together. Afterward, we will be taking pictures with Santa and you will receive a FREE professional photo the following week. We can’t wait to share Christmas with you!
With Christmas just less than a week away I want to talk about God using people. Jesus wants to move through your life. The greatest thing you can do with your Christianity is be what God called you to be. To let God do something great in your life.
As we take a look at the story of Mary I want to pause a moment and reflect on this scripture.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Stop and think about this for a moment. Unto you creates a responsibility. God gave the world Jesus. God entrusted Jesus to Mary. She was given a responsibility, an assignment. When Jesus comes into your life you should take care of the Christ. You should take care of what God is doing in your life.
He didn’t just save you to get you off drugs or alcohol or fix your marriage. There is a responsibility, an assignment God wants to entrust you with. God has a purpose and a plan for your life.
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!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Matt 1: 26-38
Mary was given a great responsibility. Was this choice arbitrary? God is eternal. He is called the Alpha and Omega yet He uses people to fulfill His plan. When I got saved the last thing on my mind was being used by God. But when the scales fell off my eyes I realized God had a plan for me. If you are a Son or daughter of the Most High you are a part of His plan!
Let’s talk about Mary. There are some misconceptions about her. She was not a god. Not once does the Bible say to worship her or pray to her. The Bible does not say she was sinless. The thing that makes Mary so amazing is that she was an ordinary girl and God used her in an extraordinary way. God chose Mary for one reason. Mary trusted God.
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! Luke 1:28-29
Scripture says Mary was confused, disturbed, and afraid. Mary had a right to be afraid. She was young and a virgin. She probably worried about what people would say about her being pregnant. I’m sure she battled with the fear of the supernatural. Scripture says her pregnancy would come by the Holy Spirit. And she had a fear of being inadequate. How in the world could this ordinary girl raise the Son of God? But Mary did not let her fear control her. Instead she trusted God and modeled three things.
God uses people who desire to do His will.
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. Luke 1: 46-49
Mary wanted God’s will above everything. Do you? Above career, money, or whatever else you desire in life do you want God’s will?
Let God use you. One way or another you’re going to be used. When you were in the world the devil use you and you did it without a second thought. Can you let God use you like that?
Mary was enthusiastic. She wanted God to use her. She was excited about the opportunity. She was humble and thankful. There is no way you can serve God without a humble heart. Do you know why people get bitter? They don’t do what they do for God. Always remember that pastors may let you down, family may let you down, and friends may let you down. But Jesus will never let you down!
Mary also had a listening ear. She was tuned into God. If you’re struggling to let God use your life you’re not listening. Mary had a habit of listening to God and God speaks to people who listen.
Mary was willing to pay the cost. If you choose to give yourself to God’s will for your life there will be a cost factor. It will cost you your time, your talent, and your treasure. But it’s ok when you find value in God’s will.
There will; also be a risk factor. You’re going to have to step out in faith and that can be scary. But Mary wanted the will of God so much she was will to take the risk and pay the cost.
What are you willing to give up? What sin or bad habit are you willing to let go of? Right now people are gearing up to make New Year’s resolutions. Don’t wait. Do it today!
Mary dared to trust God’s promises.
Faith takes courage. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is stepping out despite the fear. Mary was not afraid of miracles.
Instead of worry Mary worshipped. Instead of panic she prayed. Mary believed God’s promises. Isn’t it time you believed all God has spoken over your life? If God can use a young, uneducated girl He can use you.
God is looking for people who are enthusiastic about God using them, people who are willing to take a risk and pay the cost, and He is looking for folks who dare to trust His promises. Is this you? If you don’t have the desire ask God for it.
Listen Christmas is coming. What will you give Jesus for His birthday? What do you give a God who has everything? And does He really have everything? I don’t think so.
He doesn’t have all of you.
Let’s pray.
Lord I ask you to search my heart and reveal to me my deepest heart’s desire. I lay that thing before you. I ask for the grace to desire your will above everything else in my life. Help me to be enthusiastic about your will. Help me to thankful for anyway you want to uses me. And help me to recount your promises and believe them once again. In Jesus’ name, amen.