Lifelines

Have you ever speculated what it must have been like for Mary to have an angel tell her that she was going to have a baby?

I wonder if Mary felt like she’d stepped into the twilight zone. One day she is going about her normal teenage life and the next she’s encountering an angel that will change the course of her life forever!

Did she wonder if it was her wild imagination working overtime? It all happened so fast.

Mary recalls something the angel said in his conversation with her. Elizabeth is pregnant and in her sixth month. She realizes that in visiting Zechariah and Elizabeth, she will see if it’s true or just something she’s made up in her head. So she hops on a donkey and makes the journey to the hill country of Judea.

God knew that Mary needed a friend, someone who knew and understood, with no explanations needed. He knew she needed validation, someone to affirm what God had said to her, so he sent her to Elizabeth. He gave her a lifeline in the midst of upheaval and turmoil.

God throws us lifelines as well — in the form of other believers.

He created us to need each other, to find support and encouragement, validation and care. It’s God’s design. Friendships can be messy, difficult and challenging but they’re worth the risk.

Remember, God never intended for you to walk alone!

Heavenly Father, relationships can be hard, disappointing and difficult. I find it easier to withdraw and go it alone but that’s not your desire for me. Help me to see beyond myself, to reach out and take the risk because it’s your plan for me and I trust You. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Think about something you are struggling with and call on one of your lifelines to help you. It could be something as big as doubt in who God is, it could be need for prayer, or even just someone to sit and chat with for a while in a busy season. When you ask for help from others, you give them permission to lean on you too!

Learn how to recognize God’s voice.