Categories
Crossing Cultures Devotional Memoir

How can this be?

“How can this be…?” Mary asks. Stunned. Confused by the angel Gabriel’s announcement. 

How can a virgin conceive and give birth to the Son of the Most High whose kingdom will have no end?

The angel is tender in his response to this young woman. Explaining what will happen. That the Holy Spirit will come upon her. And the power of the Most High will overshadow her. 

Glory to God in the Highest! (Olive wood nativity from Bethlehem)

Nothing will be impossible

Then Gabriel points out another example of how God is doing the miraculous. In her relative Elizabeth.

He ends with the true and triumphant: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:26-38)

Nothing. 

Veiled hearts

“How can this be…?” I ask the Lord the question as we sojourn in the desert city. And on a tropical island. 

I pray, “Fill me, Lord. Speak Your gospel through me.” But the veil over hearts appears impenetrable at times. Impossible.

Sometimes, even with old friends, it’s as though I haven’t spoken at all. No acknowledgement. No response.

Interference

Distractions interfere. Always. Truth interrupted by unexpected visitors or phone calls.

Doubt hovers. During these conversations over tea with friends. Or as I’m sitting beside another mother in the pediatrician’s waiting room. 

Talking about the everyday. Finding ways to bridge to the eternal.  Am I speaking the Truth clearly? 

Discouragement whispers. How will they ever believe? How on earth can new birth take place?  

It would take a miracle.

Miracle

But then, I remember. Any time someone repents and believes in Jesus Christ. Every time. It’s a miracle. 

The dead brought to life.

The darkness made light.

The simple yet astonishing first step. Off the edge that divides unbelief and belief. Diving in by faith. 

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Glory to God in the highest 

This season let’s proclaim the glory of God. In the birth of His Son. Through His willing servant Mary. “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

 This season let’s ask “How can this be…?” And proclaim the glory of God in the mystery of new birth. The miracle of minds and hearts radically changed. Gloriously transformed. By the power of the gospel. 

“For nothing is impossible with God.”

What about you?

Have you ever asked “How can this be…?” How has God revealed to you that nothing is impossible with Him?

Related posts

Redeemed Take up His yokeChristmas: the time cameEnter the narrow doorGospel conversations along the wayThe mystery of the gospel –   Walking, we waitWaiting, we worship God speaks – 

2 replies on “How can this be?”

Well timed for me dear friend! Just finished an outreach event and I was a bit discouraged that my dear friend who has heard many times wasn’t willing to come. But she wants to go to a Catholic Church that’s been beautifully renovated recently. Once again the building means more than the happenings inside. But nothing is impossible with Him!

I would love to hear from you!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.