The God of the Promise is the God of the Performance Part Two
Icebreaker: Pastor Blake mentioned Mary's life was going smoothly until she received a "miraculous announcement." Can you recall a time when you received unexpected news (good or challenging) that completely shifted your plans or perspective? How did you react initially?
Pastor Blake highlighted Mary's situation as an "impossible task" and "inconvenient timing." When you consider God's call on your life, have you ever felt that what He was asking seemed impossible or came at a truly inconvenient time? How did you wrestle with those feelings?
The sermon emphasized the Holy Spirit "coming upon" and "overshadowing" Mary. What do these terms mean to you in the context of your own spiritual journey? How might you invite the Holy Spirit to "come upon" or "overshadow" you more fully in your daily life?
Mary's response was, "Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word." What does this statement reveal about her faith and surrender? How challenging or easy is it for you to adopt a similar posture of surrender when God calls you to something difficult?
Silent Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on Luke 1:37-38: "For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." What does this passage stir in your heart regarding God's power and your willingness to respond?
Pastor Blake used the analogy, "Before God builds a ministry, he builds a man." Reflect on your own life. In what ways has God been "building" you, perhaps through challenging circumstances or unexpected calls, in preparation for a "ministry" or purpose He has for you?
The idea of being "overshadowed" by God means your "humanity gets dim and his supernatural spirituality becomes the focus." What aspects of your "humanity" (e.g., self-reliance, fears, personal ambitions) might need to "dim" for God's supernatural work to be more evident in your life?
Consider the "impossible task" or "inconvenient timing" you might be facing right now where God is calling you. What specific "be it unto me according to thy word" response can you offer to God this week, and what concrete step can you take to live that out?