At the beginning of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the world was introduced to the phrase “shock and awe” by the Pentagon. As America readied to invade Iraq, the American military began a long series of air raids over Saddam Hussein’s forces. The air war prepared the way for the ground war by creating “shock and awe” over the enemy troops.

Shock and awe might better describe what Mary felt as the Angel of the Lord told her what would soon take place. After the greeting from Gabriel, the angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his Father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

Mary understandably had questions, the greatest of these was “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

Once the angel explained what God would do and that Elizabeth her relative would have a child in her old age, Mary hurried to meet Elizabeth and stayed with her for three months.

How did Mary come to accept and believe? The passage of time certainly allowed Mary to be convinced of what the angel had told her. Her virtue and the growth of the child in her womb verified the events which the angel explained.

Also, Elizabeth’s miraculous conception and the visitation of Zechariah her husband by the angel would help Mary believe. Both women could talk and describe their experience with God. The growth of the children would be evidence of God’s work.

How did Mary have the courage to go back to Nazareth? God had prepared Mary by the word of the Lord through Gabriel and through the counsel of the older and wiser Elizabeth. Elizabeth, the wife of a priest, prepared Mary for the days ahead as they spoke of God’s work within them.

Never underestimate  the power of God’s word or the power of God’s people.

Are you reading His word? Are you fellowshiping with His people?

God has provided what we need to handle the circumstances of life. Let us be faithful in following Him.

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