Highly Favored

The pinkish tinge inched its way up the morning sky. The lake was mostly still, stirred ever so slightly by the first breezes of the day and the occasional ripples as geese glided effortlessly across the lake.


I wept at the overwhelming beauty in front of me, the presence of the Lord as tangible and enveloping as the fog in a distant cove.

I whispered, “Who am I, Lord, that you would show me such favor?”

Ancient words pierced my thoughts. “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 NKJV)

My response was, “But God, those words were for Mary, the mother of Jesus, not for one as unworthy as me.”

He replied, “She was chosen to carry my Son in her womb. You were fashioned to carry Him in your heart.”

Highly favored. Chosen. Called by the Creator of the universe. Purposed for His work.

Do you join Mary in asking, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34 NIV)

Hear the reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…the power of the Most High will overshadow you….For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:35, 37 NIV)

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” (Luke 1:45 NIV)

Lord, we are in awe of Your love.  Thank You for choosing us.  Thank You for Your Spirit that dwells within us, and for the power that He bestows.  Accomplish Your will in us.

While at the NCompass Writer's Retreat this fall, I was overcome with the Lord's goodness and His words to me. I shared this message in our worship time that morning. One of our hosts, Edie Melson, asked if I'd write it out and guest post on her website back in October. As we approach the Advent season, I felt compelled to bring those words back to light.  May you savor His favor today.