Perplexing Circumstances
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
—Luke 1:26–29
Mary, likely a young, teenage girl was engaged to Joseph when an angel named Gabriel visited her. Why? To tell her some exciting news.
Gabriel called the virgin Mary “highly favored” and told her the Lord was with her. Wow!
That must have been quite an encounter. An angel visit? Yes, and Mary, as we would have been, was confused at the visit and the compliment. How troubling.
Today as you go about your busy life you will find things that are perplexing—clerks who respond to your requests incorrectly, friends who misinterpret something you said, and family members who are insensitive or critical. When this happens, be ready for it and adjust to the circumstances. A perplexing change in your day is good when God is in it.
Dear God,
Sometimes I think Mary always had a perfect outlook and peaceful persona, but even she was perplexed. Help me to be patient when things aren’t coming together just as I planned. Some days just have their unique moments. Amen.
Holiday Tip: Brighten up your calendar (and outlook) with holiday stickers or a red pen marking holiday events as a reminder to enjoy the season.