King of Kings: An Advent Plan by New Life ChurchSample

As an angel visited Mary with a message and assignment from God, Scripture tells us that she was “disturbed and afraid.” God knew she would be frightened; He knew what He asked her to be a part of wasn’t normal or easy. So, He quickly reassures her that she doesn’t have to be afraid, and why. God-dreams aren’t comfortable, but He does comfort us in them. (The phrase “do not fear” appears hundreds of times in the Bible). 

Through Mary’s discomfort and fear comes a season of celebration, the presence of peace, and the comfort of salvation for the earth. Her experiences, as difficult as they are, are a small foreshadow of the pain Jesus would face on the cross and how He would suffer. Yet it confirmed again and again that out of great suffering God can shape goodness—for us and for those who come after us.

The tension isn’t comfortable, the process is painful and usually much longer than we want. But remember that this is the day that the Lord has made; this day doesn’t belong to your tension or fear. 

Application: Where in your life have you experienced tension or fear? What are some strongholds within you you’ve seen God break? Ask God to show you where He is building something in your story that could be a light for someone else to see the love and salvation of Christ.