Morning Devotional 100925 Called and Blessed

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 9, 2025 

Luke 1:26-31, 38

26 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” 29 She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. 31 Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 38 Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Good Morning! Rejoice! The Lord is with us!

Imagine being awakened by an angel saying, “Rejoiced, favored one! The Lord is with you! I would think to say she was confused would be an understatement! Mary shared this story with Luke many years after it happened, but I believe that such a life-altering moment would be clear in her mind forever.

Throughout the Bible, we read stories of ordinary people whose lives are radically changed when God calls them to service. Some, like Jonah, ran away and found themselves in the belly of a whale. Others, like Abram and Mary, agree to serve as called immediately. Some say okay, but like the disciples who asked for more faith, try to create a conditional relationship. 

Where do we fall on that continuum? Can we follow without doubt or negotiating to set our own conditions?  I know that God calls us, ordinary people, to do unexpected, extraordinary things when we are unprepared for such a calling.

God called me to come and preach in the lowest moment of my life. Lowell had just succumbed to the ravages of cancer, and I was grieving over my loss. I said yes and continue to be blessed in unimaginable ways.

Each of us is called as God has blessed us. Some to preach, others to listen, and still others to serve according to our unique gifts. In my experience, I learned that sometimes our calls from God evolve into new callings or are revealed slowly later in life.

Are you listening? Is God calling you? 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us listen and come like Mary as you call us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Rejoice! We are favored by God!

Again, I say Rejoice! Pastor Liz