This time of the year we can’t help but marvel again at the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a very special young woman who, through her faith and humility, found favor with God.
Faith and favor with God have nothing to do with externals. But they have everything to do with how we respond to the externals. We don’t know for certain the details of how Mary’s faith was formed, but we do see how her faith in God performed… and found favor with God.
Mary exhibits the kind of faith you and I, as women after God’s own heart, must nurture in ourselves. She shows us how God can use any woman, regardless of age and status, if that woman will love Him, obey Him, and trust in Him.
Many women wrongly think that they’re not anyone special, that they are deficient in areas that the world deems essential, that they need more education, better clothes, a better resume, a better pedigree—the list goes on. But, my dear friend, as Mary’s humble life teaches us, if you love God—if you seek after Him with all your heart and if you obey Him because you love Him—you, like Mary, will enjoy His favor.
Do you want to do extraordinary things for God? Then start by simply loving and obeying Him. Mary’s love for God qualified her to be used by God. She was poor, young, and unknown, but she exhibited a faith that was pleasing in God’s sight, a faith that found favor with God.
Read Finding Favor with God on Elizabeth & Jim George.
Jim and Elizabeth George
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people
live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14
million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of
Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.
Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.
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