Conviction

I prefer to live in my comfort zone. I realize a lot of people probably feel that way, but I really, really like my comfort zone.

Our pastor has started a preaching series in the book of Luke. He spoke on the passages in the first chapter of Luke when Gabriel visits Mary to tell her she is going to have a baby...and not just any baby. There are many things to be gleaned from this passage, but there was one thing that really stuck out to me last night.

Mary's response. "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

There are a myriad of reasons why she could have understandably not had this response! An angel was visiting her. A virgin conception is logically inconceivable. Punishment for a baby out of wedlock or adultery during that time was often death. How would she tell people? Would they even believe her? Why her?

To say this situation was out of her comfort zone is a bit of an understatement. I see Mary's response and think; what is my response to an everyday inconvenience, a prodding at my heart to serve somewhere that may not be easy for me, to a life altering event?

Ouch, that stings.