Days of Demonstration and Wonder

by Sue Nesbit

We live in challenging times. The world is changing at a rapid pace and moral decline is rampant. Regardless, God has a detailed plan—a good one. He summons each generation to take part in His plan. “Who acts and carries out decrees? Who summons the successive generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, am present at the very beginning, and at the very end — I am the one” (Isaiah 41:4 NET).

Consider Mary. God sent the angel Gabriel to inform her that she would conceive Jesus and that His birth would impact the earth for every generation to come (Luke 1:26-38). Gabriel’s final words to Mary were, “For nothing is impossible with God.” The words indicated the necessity of the supernatural to accomplish God’s purposes. Mary willingly surrendered to God’s word to her. Her agreement was powerful. Many prophetic hints and decrees from the Scriptures were unfolding in God’s master plan.

As I step back from the familiar story I am freshly impacted by the deep, profound and detailed planning of God. He broke into Mary’s life in a supernatural way that was perplexing, unpredictable and profound! All the while He took care of Mary’s heart, encountering her with a careful measure of His profound depth and purpose.

This detailed care was also shown towards John the Baptist’s mother, Elizabeth, when Mary went to visit her. “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). The supernatural witness, infilling of the Spirit and great joy were received by both mother and child. Mary then experienced great joy and wonder as Elizabeth released blessing and honour over her (Luke 1:42-45).

I’m in awe of Gods intricate layers of detail all the way from the smallest detail right up to the largest global plan. Equally inspiring is Mary’s willingness and yielded heart as she responded to God. Her life radically changed in a moment. Imagine the difficulty of explaining the conception of Jesus. Imagine the questioning and shaming of her character as she responded to God’s unique assignment for her. Imagine the rejection and shunning as events played out.

Initially Joseph was in shock. Pregnant? How? And by whom? He planned to quietly divorce Mary so as not to disgrace her. What else could he do? The unthinkable had happen but He loved Mary and wanted to protect her. Joseph’s mercy was tangible. As he contemplated the situation an angel came to him in a dream and told him not to hesitate to marry her and that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-25).

Raising Jesus involved many complexities, after-all, He was both God and man. Joseph and Mary had to adapt to huge changes and many unexpected events. Imagine the challenge of His position and unique ministry, His confrontations of the religious systems, the exhilaration of His supernatural ministry, the agony of His persecution and crucifixion, the joy of His resurrection.

Joseph and Mary’s lives radically changed as they willingly yielded to God and His purposes. They didn’t know all the details. They didn’t have the complete picture. All they could do was respond to God with simple faith. Such faith is so powerful. It moves God’s heart. It deepens intimacy with God. It releases a multidimensional impact that effects our earthly destiny, our eternal reward and future generations.

Every person is significant and can play a part in God’s plan on earth. He is preparing, enlarging, aligning, equipping and strategically positioning His people. He has detailed divine appointments that will delight, surprise, challenge, and powerfully impact generations to come. Like Mary and Joseph, it is our part to simply say, “Yes, Lord.”

© 2020 Sue Nesbit.

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