Destiny - Guest post by Judy Janonski, friend and fellow blogger

Destiny

Posted by Judy on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 1:53pm

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny. In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny. Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph, was visited by an angel on earth. It's true.  That's how it really was. The angel acknowledged Mary as: "You who are highly favored".  (Luke 1:28) That's also how God sees us - favored. Loved, chosen, fortunate. As in His favorite. Yes, even before you were born, God had your destiny formed. The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled and immediately consoled her with these words: "Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God". (Luke 1:30) You know, God knows, too, when we are worrred as scripture reminds us often with these words: Do not be afraid. Do not be terrified. Do not be troubled. Do not be discouraged. Do not be fainthearted with sorrow. Do not worry about tomorrow. Because God knows the fear in our hearts His word will strengthen us when we start a daily routine of reading it with just what is needed to lift our spirit. The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom. This baby would be the Son of the Most High, he would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33) When Mary questioned the angel answered, "nothing is impossible with God". (Luke 1:37) Yes, with God there is nothing too hard. What was Mary's response? "I am the Lord's servant". (Luke 1:38) She willingly carried out her destiny, one that affects everyone's eternity. Mary, chosen to be mother to this baby that would change the destiny of the world with this greatest story ever told. * * * * * You, too, have a chosen destiny within you for God has chosen you for something special, it's true. Perhaps you have the gift of giving to someone in need of receiving. You're learned the more you give the more blessings God in turn gives so that you can bless others more from God's wonderfully, abundant store. Maybe your gift is encouragrment for everyone needs encouragement. If you find your world is a bit more cheerful, perhaps your encouragement made it so. And you'll find cheeerfulness is quite contagious as others will offer needed encouragement often in the form of a hug or a note sent. Whatever your personal spiritual gift is, it is your destiny to bring it to pass. Your destiny will affect generations after you. Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true. Will you be like Mary and say, "I am the Lord's servant" everyday. This is your destiny for all eternity.