DAILY READING
REFLECTION
It's Possible!
By Elaine Pierce
"With God All Things are Possible" has been the state of Ohio's motto since 1959. (I checked: we're the only state with this motto). The motto was adopted by our state legislature after a 10-year-old Cincinnati boy advocated for his mom's favorite saying (he didn't know it was in the Bible). He gathered thousands of signatures from all over the state and was invited to speak to the lawmakers in the state capitol. The motto survived a court challenge in 2000.
"With God all things are possible" is found in Matthew 19:26 and also in today's reading in verse 37: "For nothing is impossible with God." In Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples that eternal life is possible - but not because of anything that we do. It is only possible through Jesus and his death on the cross. In today's passage, the angel tells Mary that she will have a baby even though she is a virgin - and this is only possible because of God's intervention.
God makes the impossible a reality. He created this world. He gives us life, and he offers eternal life to all who believe and call him Lord. What impossible situation are you facing right now? Is your health failing? Are you struggling at work? Is your to do list longer than the hours in the day? Are you dreading a Christmas gathering with a challenging family member? Is your financial situation less than ideal - where will the money come from for all the gifts you want to give?
Mary was a young woman engaged to be married. The angel Gabriel visited her. This was shocking in and of itself - can you imagine what that must have been like! After the angel assured her that 'nothing is impossible with God' she responded in faith: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said (v. 38)." God does the impossible every day. While our situation might not change - our health, our job, our relationships, our finances - but our attitude and our outlook as we look to our creator - makes all the difference. As we walk through Advent, take time each day to thank God for what he is doing to bring us from impossible situations to possibilities of grace, peace, and life.
PRAYER
Lord, you are in the business of changing lives. I so often focus on what's wrong, and you help me see that all that is good, all that is pure, all that is holy comes from you. Thank you for Mary's humble spirit, and I pray that I, too, can see "May it be to me as you have said." Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Beaut