“And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.”
(Luke 1:56 ESV)
It was a good three months for Mary and Elizabeth. No doubt they prayed together, worked together, sang together. But at last the day came when Mary had to go home and face the music.
What would her parents say, when they learned she was pregnant? What would Joseph say? Neither of them knew. But they put their trust in God, and Mary set off for home. God would have to deal with whatever came next.
And He did. And He will do the same for us when we’re facing a scary future and don’t know what to do next. That’s when we turn to the God who loves us with all His heart, and we cry out: “Lord, help me!” Be with me and help me with whatever happens. Keep me in Your care. Help me to trust Your love.
Because deep in our hearts, we know we can trust Him. The God who came into our world as a human being like us, to suffer and die and to rise again, all to rescue us—He knows our need. And He will never forsake us.
We Pray: Lord, when I’m afraid, help me and be with me! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What do you worry about in your future?
* Take a minute to pray and ask God to help you with it.
* Why does it help to know God won’t leave you all alone to deal with it?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 13, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights