Mary & Joseph: Prepared for the Plan

 Mary- we know her as the mother of Jesus, the wife of Joseph, and a willing servant of God. The Angel of the Lord greeted her as “Thou highly favored one.” Joseph- we know him as the earthly father of Jesus, a carpenter, and a descendant of David. But what would have happened if Mary and Joseph hadn’t been ready to be these things?

These days teenagers waste their time on things that could hardly be called preparation for life. If the Lord were right now looking for a girl who he could call on to be the mother of his son, who would he choose? Would he choose the girl who spends all her time styling her hair and doing her make-up, or would he choose the girl who spends her time volunteering at church and serving in ministry? If he was looking for a man to be the earthly father of Jesus, who would he choose? Would he choose the guy who spends all his time watching YouTube videos and sports, or the guy who helps his Pastor with church maintenance and spends time learning from his youth Pastor? Would God have chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus if she had wasted her days? Her attitude toward the Lord is clear; “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” 

Many of us truly desire that God would choose us to be the ones to do great things for Him- but we fail to prepare for His plans. God cannot speak through a young man to move sinners to repentance who does not know how to preach. God cannot use a young lady to raise Godly children who does not know how to keep a home. God can use anyone he wants to- but a willing servant is more useful and brings him more glory. If you want to be used by God in a mighty way; prepare. That way, when he calls you, you can say “I’m here. And I’m ready.”