Joy

Can you imagine the exhilaration you'd feel if an actual angel from God appeared to you to tell you that God had chosen you for a very special mission? This is what Mary experienced. She was filled with so much awe and joy hearing the angel explain what was to happen. Can you imagine how thrilled you'd be?

But stop to think of the reality that actually make this situation not so joyful, but dangerous and heartbreaking. Mary was not yet married. This was going to cause a great scandal for her family. They might even turn her out on the street! She could try to explain that God is the Father of her Baby, but no one is going to believe that. Add to that that she was engaged, and her fiancé Joseph would be crushed! By law, he could have her stoned to death, or at least divorce her. She would be damaged goods, and no man would marry her after that. With no family and no husband, how is she going to raise this child on her own? This is not a joyful situation at all, not when you stop to think about the consequences.

But Mary was able to remain full of joy, because she did not stop to think about it. She didn't weigh the options with logic. She fully trusted that God had a plan and was humbled to be a part it. She chose joy!

How do we choose joy in times that fill us with fear, or even in everyday life? Watch "Joy" from Senior Pastor Jeff Maness to learn how to live filled with the joy of the Lord, even in the hardest of times.