+DEV+ Rejoicing with Others

Date: January 17, 2011 1:47 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Rejoicing with Others

Rejoicing with Others

"In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of the Lord should come to me'" (Luke 1:42-43)?
Scripture Focus: Luke 1:39-45

Elizabeth was "well along in years" when she became pregnant. She had waited decades. When her niece, Mary, came to visit, surprisingly she was also pregnant. Yet there were no conversations of comparison, no questioning Mary's virginity, and no criticizing God's choosing Mary over Elizabeth to bear His Son. Logic would have chosen a godly, well-established couple like Zechariah and Elizabeth to raise the Son of God. Holiness chose the virgin, Mary.

It's easy to compare how God works in our lives with how He works in the lives of others. So much time and effort go into developing relationships, achieving health, or securing finances. Yet, others seem to obtain blessings effortlessly. When we compare our journeys, resentment grows.

Elizabeth never frustrated herself with comparisons. She rejoiced in God's work in Mary's life. She thanked God for His blessings without resenting her difficult journey to receiving them. We can do the same and give Him the glory.

Insight: Appreciate the blessings God gives you and thank Him for the gifts He gives to those around you.