Session 9

We are gifted but humble

From A Celebration of Advent: A 25-Day Devotional

Mary couldn’t hide the calling God placed on her life. The child she carried was Israel’s Messiah. Mary responded to this miracle with a song to God. When Mary says, “From now on, all generations will call me blessed,” she wasn’t being proud. She recognized and accepted the gift God had given to her. 

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” - Luke 1:47

God is pleased when we accept His gifts and use them for His glory. He created us to accomplish his special plan and purpose (Ephesians 2:10). His gifts and purpose grow in us and we can keep it to ourselves. As we discover our spiritual gifts and embrace God’s plan for our lives, people take notice. When that happens, how do we respond? 

God loves when we give Him all the credit. That’s what Mary did. Mary knew the miracle God was doing through her was the result of God’s ability, not her own. Pride causes us to minimize God’s work in us or take credit for what God has done. It’s only through God’s strength and goodness that we can do anything of eternal value. Lift up your voice and give praise to God because He has gifted you to accomplish His purpose!

REFLECT:

• What are your God-given talents and gifts? How are you using them to glorify God?
• How do you respond when people give you a compliment? 
• How can we celebrate God’s work in us without making it about us?