Down to Earth: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

Day 16: Embracing The Unexpected

Reflection

I don’t know how you ended up in your line of work. Were you one of those lucky people who knew they wanted to be an [insert job] since they were small? Or perhaps you’ve flitted between sectors and ended up in your current role through financial desperation or a boredom-induced Google search.

In today’s passage, Mary is offered a major new role out of the blue. She’s not declared herself to be #OpenToWork on LinkedIn, nor has she actively pursued a career change – instead, an Angel of the Lord appears to her and she’s told she’ll give birth to the Son of God.

Mary never expected this would be her Calling. In her mind, she was going to marry a builder named Joseph and lead an ordinary life in a provincial town. She wasn’t from a royal lineage, nor did she have special qualifications in raising children. But God had chosen Mary, and she was willing to do whatever He asked of her – that was what qualified her for the role.

The same is true for you. Even if you feel there’d be more obvious candidates, it's no accident that you’re doing your specific job right now. So, like Mary, will you listen to God and join in His Work, right where you are today?

Prayer

Father God, I submit to Your Plans for my life. Please help me willingly take on the tasks and roles You place in my path, even if they’re totally unexpected.