What Is This? Embracing the Gifts You Didn't Ask Forናሙና

It’s a bummer when you’re really hoping for a specific present, and instead, you get something you didn’t ask for. It can be hard to get excited over a gift that wasn’t even on your list. 

Mary could probably relate to that feeling. She was young and engaged to be married to Joseph when God gave her a gift that derailed her personal plans. An angel showed up and told Mary to get excited because the Lord was with her, she had found favor with God, and she was going to give birth to God’s Son. 

The favor of God interrupted Mary’s life, but we never read about Mary viewing the interruption as an inconvenience. 

She responded to God’s call on her life by saying, “I accept whatever God has for me.” 

She accepted God’s gift even though it came with challenges most of us probably wouldn’t choose to embrace. 

She didn’t tell God that she thought the timing would be better if He waited until after she was married so her image wouldn’t be ruined. 

She didn’t tell God she would need to talk it over with Joseph first to make sure he was onboard for the change of plans.

She graciously and humbly embraced the gift God was giving her, even though it wasn’t packaged according to her preference.

The gift she didn’t even know to ask for was the gift that would not only change her life but the entire world. 

This year has been marked by interrupted plans and inconveniences. We’ve all had to adjust, adapt, and accept things that are beyond our control, but have you truly embraced the things that God is trying to deposit in your life? 

Lean into what God is doing in your life, even if it feels inconvenient or scary. Trust that the One who made you knows the perfect gift for you.