How to Receive Your Call With Joy

As we begin our Christmas series, “The Promise,” we’re reminded that the promise of God brings us joy. There’s joy in the fact that the greatest promise in the Old Testament was fulfilled in Jesus being born as a baby, and there’s joy in knowing that He was called, “Emmanuel,” or, “God with us.” In Luke 1:26-38, we see how God used an ordinary woman to bring about His promise here on the earth. Through Mary’s story, we can see how we, too, can be used by God when we receive the call He has for us with joy. 

Questions for Meditation 

1. In Luke 1:28, the angel greeted Mary by declaring Mary as “highly favored.” Why was Mary favored? 
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Favor is the application of grace. Why is that favor is sometimes hard to accept? 
3. What is the difference that favor can make in our lives? Specifically, in your life, where can favor make the difference between how something is now and what it can be?
4. The angel later tells Mary, “The power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Why was this so important in Mary’s story? 
5. Think about a time in your life where you needed power to do something that rested outside of yourself. Maybe today you’re facing something that requires more strength than you have available. How can God give you power for that situation or area in your life? 
6. Eventually, Mary responded by receiving the call. But what were some of the questions Mary had leading up to that point? What are some questions that we have when God calls us to something that seems impossible? 
7. Is there something that God has been calling you to do, or a new way to trust in Him? Have there been any barriers in your heart or mind to receive His call? If so, pray that God would give you the faith to look beyond your own limitations, and obedience to walk in His will for your life.