Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

This verse hits me every time I read it. I like how the Japanese strengthens the verbs here: “believed fully” and “will positively happen.” I am reminded of what Jesus told Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Mary had seen Gabriel, but her faith was certainly in the rock-solid category. Elizabeth certainly had the right idea here, that such faith brings great blessing. So often we miss such blessings by failing to believe and so going to “Plan B.” Faith like Mary’s doesn’t even have a Plan B! The difficulty comes in distinguishing between what God has said to us and what our imaginations cook up, particularly when it is something we desire. People who try to work up faith for a luxury car or something similar are setting themselves up for disaster, as Paul pointed out. (1 Timothy 6:9-10) God tells us He will provide abundantly, but when it is Him and not our flesh speaking, the provision is always incidental to the purpose for which it is given, to serve God in advancing the knowledge of Him for His glory. “Name it and claim it” is ultimately a lie, not because God’s promises aren’t real but because our lusts misappropriate those promises. However, we must not throw out the Word of Faith message because some misapply it. Rather, we must ask and allow the Holy Spirit to purify our thoughts and desires so that we will indeed desire God’s will and nothing less. When that happens, we can believe with full assurance.

I just got word that someone I care a great deal about has just had a prayer answered, and I rejoice with him. It was something he had a lot of company in praying for, but the timing was not what he or we might have chosen. However, I do know that I prayed consistently that God’s very best would be accomplished, and I believe we are seeing that. I have received some awesome promises about the ministry here, and my faith for them is strengthening. It’s been over 30 years since we came to Omura, so the timing certainly isn’t on the human scale, but that doesn’t change the faithfulness of God. I am to receive the faith God offers, and rest, relax, and rejoice in full assurance that His plans will be fulfilled on His schedule for His glory.

Father, thank You for how beautifully things went yesterday in so many ways. Thank You for that as a reminder that You have everything else in control, too. This is already turning out to be one of the most relaxed Decembers I’ve had in a long time. I pray that I would continue to operate on Your schedule, in joyful anticipation of what You are going to do, for my blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!