Luke 1:51-53 — Let’s Do This

“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
—Luke 1:51-53 NASB

Mighty deeds are often done by ordinary people. Those whom we consider heroes of the Bible were not heroes to themselves. They were ordinary people who collided with God during their walk of faith.

Let’s look at some of these heroes. Elijah was “a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17). Moses begged God for release from his role as a “liberator.” Jacob foolishly wrestled with God. Job begged God to kill him. Jonah ran from God. Peter denied Jesus. Thomas doubted Him. All in all, these men and women of the Bible did not see themselves as the great saints that we revere.

The simple girl Mary certainly did not see herself as an almighty saint, but only a person of lowly status. God was great. Only He was mighty, exalting those who were humble.

Most of the great Bible heroes would be surprised to see how venerated they became. Perhaps none would be more surprised than Mary. How she must have trembled before God’s request of her. She was reluctant to agree to His plan. God’s will was not only hard to bear, but impossible to explain to others. But the greatness of Mary’s life is that she did what God asked. She didn’t wait until His plan was complete before she rejoiced. She did so when she yielded her life to God.

You do not have to complete all that God has for you to do in order to find your own joy. From the moment you agree to yield your life, the glory will begin to flow. You will begin to feel praise welling up in your life. You have only to praise Him to see the great possibilities of God, and they will be fully accomplished through you.

Say this prayer:

Father, I do not know why You chose me, but I thank You. I do not know how I can accomplish Your work, but You do. Forgive me for my doubts. I give myself to You. Use me for your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.


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