Believer Did You Know?

In recent years, a new Christmas Carol has become very popular. “Mary Did You Know?” is a question posed to the young girl who had just given birth to the Savior of the world. As she lovingly gazed down into the face of this tiny child, did she have any idea of the true impact that He would have on this earth? There is no question that she knew this was no ordinary, little boy. She knew that she had carried a very special child from God.

In a completely miraculous and unexpected way, this baby had been announced to her. An angel appeared with a startling and mysterious message. “But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean.” (Luke 1:29 AMP) She put aside her confusion and listened to who this child would become. “He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David, And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33 AMP) These concepts would be beyond comprehension, yet welcomed by one who awaits her Messiah. She also knew that only miraculous power could bring this all about. “Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35 AMP) In the moments of the short encounter with an angel, Mary agreed to follow God’s will wherever it led her. “Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.” (Luke 1:38 AMP)

Although she may have known the unique miracle of this special birth, did she realize what the years ahead would hold for her? On several occasions we are told that Mary pondered and treasured these things in her heart. (See Luke 2:19&51) Was she surprised when He taught or performed miracles? Did she have any clue as to how her heart would break as she watched Him die on the cross? Or could she have fathomed the incredible joy she would experience after His resurrection? We cannot really know what that young girl knew as she gazed up her baby that night in Bethlehem. Yet it seems that a full knowledge of all that was to come would have been overwhelming to her.

What about you and me? On the day that we asked Jesus to become our Savior and our Lord, did we fully understand what following Him through this life would entail? We knew that things would change because we now have a totally new life. “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP) Yet did we fully comprehend all that would lie ahead for us? We may have been aware of little more than the promise of eternity in heaven with God.

We may not have anticipated just how wonderful the daily presence of God can be. The depth of joy goes beyond expectation. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 AMP) This is matched by His total peace. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 AMP)

There are promises in the Word of God that may not have been so obvious in the beginning. Jesus stated, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33 AMP) We are promised to have trials, but also that He will be our stability and deliverance in all of them.

God’s callings can seem beyond our capacity to accomplish, but He will provide all the strength and ability we need. “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].” (Philippians 4:13 AMP) In all things and at all times, God is with us. We can walk in whatever He calls us to do, knowing that His presence will be with us to the very end. Jesus promises, “… and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” (Matthew 28:20 AMP)

Did I know all that my walk with God would hold on the day I gave my life to him? No. It would have been too much for me to comprehend at that time. But now I look back and see that God’s plans have been far better than anything I could have imagined.

Do not be concerned with what you do not know or the surprises that come your way. God will daily unfold a plan that is far more excellent than anything we can expect.