Born and Growing and Living In You

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

The story of the virgin birth illustrates how close God wants to get to us. In a sense He’s asking you the same question He asked Mary: ‘Are you willing to let Me in?’. Just as Mary conceived the Christ Child, Jesus can be born in you and live His life through you. What an amazing thought. What a privilege! Paul prayed ‘…that Christ may dwell in your hearts…’ (Ephesians 3:17). John said, ‘Those who obey…live in him, and he in them’ (1 John 3:24). Jesus promised, ‘If anyone…opens the door, I will come in’ (Revelation 3:20). All God asks is an invitation and an open heart. God was with Adam in the garden. He was with Abraham and called him His friend. But as a redeemed child of God, Jesus is in you. And He will keep growing in you until He comes out in your words, your attitudes, your lifestyle, and the choices you make each day. Are you struggling with bitterness? Or worry? Or unforgiveness? Or bad habits? Since Jesus lives in you, you have access to His awesome power. That’s why Paul talks about ‘striving according to His power, which mightily works within me’ (Colossians 1:29). God isn’t looking for great talent, He’s looking for simple trust. Mary must have felt overwhelmed and inadequate when she heard what God had in mind for her. Nevertheless she said, ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’ Do you want to have a great Christmas? Make that your prayer too.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You continue to live in me and that I get out of the way to let You do the things You would have me do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen