After Mary received the news from Gabriel the angel that she would be the virgin mother of Jesus, she hurried to her cousin Elizabeth’s place. But when she greeted Elizabeth, something supernatural occurred: “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Luke 1:41).
That is an extraordinary response to an act as simple as a greeting! The joyful reaction from the baby and Elizabeth wasn’t because of Mary herself. It’s because of Who she was carrying: Jesus. She was the vessel of the Savior of the world.
In the same way, we as followers of Jesus are vessels of hope because we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have the opportunity to spark joy and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in others—even through our mundane actions—just as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
But how can God work the supernatural through our everyday lives? Looking back at Mary, she reveals the key during Gabriel’s visit: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38).
Mary recognized herself as God’s servant and submitted herself to Him, even if it was the tougher choice. This type of surrender requires faith that God will come through like He has in the past and trust that His plans are always superior to ours because He is our sovereign, yet loving Father. God can only work through those who are willing to be His vessel.
For the next couple of minutes, close your eyes or open your journal and invite God to help pinpoint what is hindering you from being His vessel in your day-to-day life. Ask God to reveal the reasons behind the hindrance. Then allow Him to show you the loving truth about Him and His promises, His Love washing away the blockage, making way for the Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you in being His vessel today.
Christina Chaiban
EFCC Attender