HOPE IS PROMISED: Certainty Is Granted by God’s Power

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”  And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:34-38)

The Bible testifies repeatedly that “ with God nothing will he impossible.”   Infinite power is His and available from Him.  If He could speak the world into existence, He could implant His Son in the womb of a virgin, and if He could do that, God can do anything for us!

This incredible hope is rooted in THE SOURCE OF POWER.  Mary’s incredulity was answered with this assurance, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you ; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”  Here we see the Triune God: the Father who is called, “the Highest;” the Son who is named, “that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” and the third person of the Trinity mentioned is, “the Holy Spirit.”   This Almighty God is the source of power—and He is with us!  If Mary’s hope resided in her ability to produce God in the flesh, then it was an impossibility—but, not with God!

It is seen to be a limitless hope as we recognize THE SCOPE OF POWER.  “Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.” (v.36-37) Mary’s faith is strengthened by the report concerning Elizabeth.  She who was barren was going to have a baby.  This child would be the forerunner of the Messiah—whom Mary will birth.  God sends His Word to nurture our faith and make it grow strong. 

What do you need?  Come boldly to the throne of grace!  Nothing is too hard for the Lord!

We fully experience hope when we rest in Him by THE SUBMISSION TO POWER.  Mary’s response was, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (v.38)  Seeing God’s supernatural work requires submission to His will.

That isn’t easy.   There is a price to pay.  It cost Mary her reputation.  Do you think people were going to believe a single girl turning up pregnant was a miracle?  Even Joseph didn’t buy her story.  It almost cost the man she loved.  Joseph was going to divorce her had not the angel spoken to him.  Ultimately, it cost the pain of watching her Son die.  But she submitted.  Have you?  Take up your cross and know His power!