Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
— Luke 1:45 (NIV)
When Elizabeth sees Mary, she’s filled with joy. She recognizes the incredible blessing that Mary is carrying—the long-awaited promise of God. And with that joy comes a powerful declaration: "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith. Though the journey ahead would be challenging, Mary’s willingness to believe God would fulfill His word is something to be celebrated.
Mary’s belief wasn’t just about agreeing with what the angel had told her. It was about trusting in God’s ability to do what He said He would do. It’s one thing to hear the promises of God—it’s another to have the faith to believe them, especially when the circumstances don’t seem to line up with what God has spoken. For Mary, saying yes to God wasn’t just a moment of obedience; it was an act of deep trust in God's character and His ability to fulfill His word.
In our own lives, we face moments where God’s promises seem distant or too impossible to believe. Like Mary, we might not know the full picture of how God will fulfill what He’s promised. But the question is: will we trust Him? When we believe in God’s promises, even when we don’t see how they will unfold, we too can be “blessed.” Mary’s example teaches us that our faith is not based on the circumstances but on who God is—faithful, true, and capable of accomplishing what He says He will do.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the promises You’ve spoken over our lives. Like Mary, help us to believe that You will fulfill Your word in Your time and in Your way. May our hearts be full of trust and expectation as we wait for You to work. We know that You are faithful, and we trust in Your goodness. Amen.
Reflection Questions
These questions are designed to help you reflect more deeply on the themes of trust, obedience, and waiting on God’s timing during Advent.
- What promises from God are you holding onto right now? Do you believe that God will fulfill them?
- How does Mary’s response to God’s calling challenge your faith and trust in God’s plan for your life?
- When is your mindset similar to Mary’s and when is it more difficult to share her mindset?