“Write down everything in that journal. Someday you’ll be sharing your story.” John handed me the red Moleskine® journal. Instinctively, I reached out and took it from him.
“I don’t want this story.” Though devastated from my son’s arrest just weeks before, I attended a seminar training as scheduled. John, who was part of the seminar staff, was also a licensed professional counselor and he took me aside to counsel me in my grief.
The following year after my son’s conviction, I no longer wanted to share publicly—whether through Bible teaching or through inspirational writing. I walked away from the call the Lord had for me because the life I envisioned was shattered. The plans I had for my life were interrupted.
As the holidays approached, I meditated on one of my favorite Christmas passages from Luke 1. Then I saw it. Mary, a young woman betrothed to Joseph, must have been dreaming dreams for her wedding day and making plans for her married life. But … BAM! Her life was interrupted when the angel appeared to her and announced, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Mary’s life would never be the same. She conceived the Son of God before she was married. Imagine the sneers, stares, and snickers that went around Nazareth. In Mary’s time, typically a woman who conceived out of wedlock was stoned to death. Her life plans … interrupted.
There are significant differences in the way I responded and how Mary responded. Mary responded in faith by saying, “Let it be to me according to your word.” Then she went to celebrate with Elizabeth. When my plans were interrupted, I responded in fear, which became my personal prison. Thank God for His patience with me as it took me years to finally say, “Let it be according to your will.”
Life circumstances interrupt us. An angel may not have appeared to tell you what it is, but you have a call from God. You have a purpose that needs to be fulfilled. How have your responded to it? Have you run from it? Or are you willing to say, “Let it be …”?
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Koan.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
Shonda Savage encourages people to deepen their roots in Jesus Christ with both written and spoken messages. Shonda connects with her audience by sharing her personal tribulations and triumphs with Christ. She frequently ministers to those whose lives have been impacted by incarceration.