The Mess of The Unexpected | Herbert Cooper
Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (NIV)
Two Important Lessons on Dealing with The Mess of The Unexpected
1. You should expect the unexpected
2. Your unexpected situation can create confusion
Luke 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
Luke 1:34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" (NIV)
Three Great Responses During Unexpected Seasons
1. Trust God during unexpected seasons
Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (NIV)
Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)
2. Find a godly and encouraging friend
Luke 1:39–45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV)
3. Replace worry with worship
Luke 1:46–50 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. (NLT)
