Christmas in the Holy LandSample

When God’s Favor Makes Life Tougher

Sometimes finding favor with God makes life tough. When the angel Gabriel informed Mary she would give birth to the Son of God, many thoughts ran through her mind, not the least of which was how she, a virgin, could conceive.

What’s more, Mary knew the social and biblical fallout for a pregnant woman without a husband. How could she possibly explain that her pregnancy was an act of God and not an act of passion? Finding favor with God meant she faced disfavor from people—starting, of course, with her fiancé, Joseph. 

When Joseph discovered Mary’s pregnancy, he could have had her stoned under the Old Testament Law. Even if Joseph didn’t press charges, such a woman often got ostracized from her community and family. At best, Mary faced potentially living as a single parent for life. In light of all these very real possibilities, how would most of us have responded to God’s “favor”? Remarkably, Mary’s response was one of obedience and submission to the will of God:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) 

What an extraordinary response! In these few words, we understand that Mary surrendered to what was God’s will for her—no matter what. She considered favor with God a blessing instead of a burden. She placed her complete trust in the Father, who was able to shelter, feed, comfort, and provide if all others would abandon her.

Gabriel’s announcement to Mary proclaimed her a “favored one” (Luke 1:28). The original Greek term comes from a verb that means “filled with grace.” Significantly, this same verb appears in only one other place in the New Testament:

“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:5–6) 

The words “freely bestowed” come from the same verb as “favored one.” In both uses of the word in the New Testament, God gave grace through His choice—not through the righteousness of the recipient(s). Because of Jesus, Mary was highly favored. Because of Jesus, we are highly favored. 

In the same way, Mary responded to God’s favor with trust—in spite of the fact that obedience would make life tough—so we also can do the same. As we look at nativity scenes this Christmas, we can give a special glance at Mary. She took God at His word to obey His will above her own, regardless of the consequences.

Yes, finding favor with God may make life tougher. But far better.