The Assurance

Even the most faith-filled of us sometimes need reassurance that we aren’t crazy in trusting God and what He has said. The angel Gabriel recognised this, which is why he had offered Mary a sign of assurance to demonstrate God’s intent and faithfulness: her barren relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant, he said. The implication? Go and check it out for yourself, Mary! God is up to stuff!

No sooner had Gabriel left than Mary headed straight off for Elizabeth’s home. When she arrived, she not only found that Elizabeth was indeed pregnant, as Gabriel had said, but that strange things started to happen. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leapt the moment that Mary entered the room; Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and suddenly started to prophesy (something that hadn’t happened since the time of Malachi). This was not just another joyous, unexpected pregnancy, Elizabeth realised; this was about her being in the presence of ‘the mother of my Lord’ (Luke 1:43 NIV).

All of us need a bit of assurance and confirmation at times, to help us truly believe God and keep hold of what He has promised – especially when we are facing challenging situations. Mary knew she needed it – and, if we are wise, so will we. The wonderful thing is: when we are seeking assurance in faith and not in doubt, God delights to give it.

The story of Christmas is the biggest assurance of all that God is real, that He is there for us, and that He wants to be involved with every aspect of our lives. Don’t let the devil rob you of that truth.