Overwhelmend by Grace

Luke 1:38

New International Version (NIV)

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

For Encouragement

Have you ever received news so surprising that it seemed impossible, only to see it actually happen? How did you feel in that moment?

New inventions and discoveries often amaze us, but imagine how incredible it would be if an angel appeared with news that goes beyond what science can explain—the virgin birth. Think about how Mary must have felt and what she thought when the angel Gabriel came to her with life-changing news (Lk. 1:26-29).

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. “

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

How do you think you would react if this happened today?

It is amazing to think about why God chose Mary to carry His Eternal Son (Is. 9:6-7). God chose her for such an honor not because of any special quality, but simply by God’s grace.

Even though what Mary heard confused her (Lk. 1:34), her answer to the angel is remarkable:

“I am the Lord’s … may it be to me as you have said” (38).

This is how grace leads us to respond. It is always overwhelming, even flabbergasting. But that is God’s heart for humanity—the outpouring of His heart on those He has chosen. It calls for worship. It demands your praise of the Most High God in Christ Jesus, amen!

Has grace overwhelmed you before? It shouldn’t take you more than a second to respond affirmatively, if God has saved you. So, can you worship and praise Him with an unhindered heart?

I hope this reflection helps you understand what inspired Charles Wesley to write the hymn, “And Can It Be.” As you sing, try to feel the same sense of awe he felt at God’s grace and love.

May God’s grace in Jesus fill your life, and may you feel grateful and inspired to live each day for Him.

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for your grace. I know I deserved nothing from you, but you gave your only Son to save me from sin and death. You have also given me new life in Him and Your Spirit to guide me until You bring me home with You forever. I could never earn or pay for any of this. It is all because of your grace. That is truly amazing! Because of what you have done for me, I will always love you and live for you. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, amen.