No Fear Because God Sees
Advent Week Two
by D'Janapha Fortune
This past November, I had the honor of traveling to the Middle East to participate in my first mission trip. This short-term mission focused on providing medical and dental care to refugee women and children in our host country, as well as on evangelism and discipleship. Serving in this capacity—addressing the health and social needs of those across borders—has been a long-standing heartache of mine, in fact, so long that I buried it after a career pivot post-college that no longer aligned with such a path. Until…the Lord prompted me to pursue this dream in my heart so He could bring it to life. Long story short, in a way only God could, what was a buried 15-year dream became my reality in just one month. With ease, God orchestrated the single connection that led to an application and officially opened the way for this beautiful opportunity.
Was I excited? Absolutely! Was I grateful? Exceedingly! Was I in awe? For sure! But was I also filled with more questions than answers and even a dose of insecurity; wildly yes. The very thing I had been waiting and praying heaven down for was finally here, within reach, and I suddenly pulled back as if to say God's favor had been mistakenly released to the wrong person.
These are all emotions I am sure young Mary was holding on to when the angel Gabriel appeared to her to announce the forthcoming birth of Jesus.
Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed by this statement and pondered what kind of greeting it was. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth herself has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called infertile is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:26-38).
Although we aren't given much prior information about the chosen mother of Jesus, it is clear that there was something special about Mary. Perhaps God saw her purity of heart, humble and undivided worship, and even countless prayers to use her life purposefully. And so, He did– in a move that led to the precious gift of Jesus. With Mary as my model, I too found myself pushing past the questions and temporary discomfort to make room for a yes that was indeed bigger than me. All in all, I am so grateful God saw something in me for His very special move here on earth.
Ladies, as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Redeemer and Restorer, it is my prayer that if there are any long-time prayers, forgotten or neglected, that you would be willing to let God into your hearts for resurrection in the season ahead. I pray you will continue to press in, and when the time is finally here, you will not relinquish in fear because the God who sees has intentionally chosen and released favor on YOU. May the fulfillment of His plans over our lives be according to His word.
Happy Advent!