Advent Day 8 - A Costly Blessing

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent: A 25-Day Devotional
by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC

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“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45

When Mary learned Elizabeth was pregnant, she rushed to see it with her own eyes. When Mary arrived, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb, and she told Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed” Luke 1:41-42.

Through Elizabeth, God reassured Mary that her radical faith was in the right place. Mary lived a life of blessing and purpose even though it was costly. Mary faced big hurdles, but she experienced an even bigger blessing. And though that blessing was disguised to the world for a time, He was revealed in glory (Matthew 24:30-31).

Remember that God is always at work. His plan for you is good. Even though blessings are sometimes costly, when we keep our eyes on the Lord, we experience the joy and fulfillment only His presence and purpose can provide.

REFLECT: Read Luke 1:39-45

What hurdles are you facing right now?
Are you focusing on your circumstances or the Lord, who wants to lead you through them?
What is one practical way to remind yourself of God’s love even when you don’t feel it?
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Prayer:

Father,
          We pray as the writer of Hebrews prayed: Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and who now sits at the right hand of Your throne, O God. We want to be partakers of Your holiness. Teach us, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen