Devotional
After receiving the angel’s message, Mary didn’t immediately burst into song or celebration. Instead, she quietly pondered what had happened and then made a journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This teaches us something beautiful about how God works in our lives – sometimes in dramatic moments, but often through a series of smaller moments that build our understanding over time. We live in a culture that loves instant transformation stories. We want to see the light bulb moment, the dramatic conversion, the sudden breakthrough. And yes, God certainly works that way sometimes. But Mary’s story shows us that spiritual growth often happens gradually, like a sunrise that slowly illuminates the landscape. Mary needed time to process what God had told her. She needed community, encouragement, and confirmation. Her faith journey wasn’t complete in that first angelic encounter – it was just beginning. The full revelation of what God was doing would unfold through relationships, experiences, and continued trust in His plan. This gives us such hope when we’re walking through seasons of uncertainty or when we’re praying for someone we love. Maybe you haven’t seen that dramatic moment of breakthrough yet, but God is still working. He’s orchestrating moments over time, weaving together circumstances and relationships that will bring about His perfect plan. Trust the process, even when you can’t see the full picture yet.
Bible Verse
‘At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea’ – Luke 1:39
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life are you waiting for a dramatic moment from God, when He might actually be working through a series of smaller moments over time?
Quote
“Sometimes God moves in a miraculous moment, and sometimes He works through moments over time.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Father, give me patience to trust Your timing and Your process. Help me to see Your hand at work even in the quiet seasons, and give me faith to believe You’re working even when I can’t see the full picture.