Highly Favored
by Kristi Butler
“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:28 NKJV
The pinkish tinge inched its way up the morning sky. The lake was mostly still, stirred ever so slightly by the first breezes of the day and the occasional ripples as geese glided effortlessly across the lake.
I wept at the overwhelming beauty in front of me, the presence of the Lord as tangible and enveloping as the fog in a distant cove.
I whispered, “Who am I, Lord, that you would show me such favor?”
Ancient words pierced my thoughts. “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:28 NKJV
My response was, “But God, those words were for Mary, the mother of Jesus, not for one as unworthy as me.”
He replied, “She was chosen to carry my Son in her womb. You were fashioned to carry Him in your heart.”
Highly favored. Chosen. Called by the Creator of the universe. Purposed for His work.
Do you join Mary in asking, “How will this be?”
Thankful for God's unfailing love, tangible presence, and that He would see fit to will and work in me for His good pleasure...it is surely a matter of grace! It is my prayer that I honor Him in all I do. He has blessed me with a wonderful heritage through the example of my parents who love God, walk with Him, pray fervently, and love others unconditionally. He gave me an incredible, generous, gifted husband who works for the Lord with all of his heart. My "little girl dreams" of being a Mommy have been realized through our four wonderful daughters, who have proved that there is "no greater joy than to [know] that my children are walking in the Truth." I am honored that He would allow me the privilege of teaching His precious children in a wonderful Christian school. I wait expectantly to see what The Dream Giver has in store as He leads in pursuit of service to Him through the written word.
Beautiful devotion, Kristi. Thanks for sharing it with us, Edie.
ReplyDeleteLovely! It has been great to get to know you this w/e and discover your books.
ReplyDeleteEdie,thank you for the privilege of sharing on your blog!
ReplyDeleteCathy and Sue,thank you for your gracious words.
Thanks for that wonderful thought this morning, Kristi.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful devo, Kristi. I'm honored to have heard you share it in person. What a wonderful week we all had together. A little slice of heaven!
ReplyDeleteLiz Welsh
Thank you, Edie, for sharing this! Thank you, Kristi, for not only writing this (and sharing it w/us at the retreat) but for your love and prayers. May God bless you both as you have blessed me this weekend.
ReplyDeleteKristi, thank you for sharing Gods word with us along with the understanding he gave you. It was so uplifting. You are a gift!
ReplyDeleteEllen, so glad you enjoyed it! Liz, Bren, and Margie, what a blessing to spend the days at NCompass with you!
ReplyDeleteThat thought blessed our SOCKS OFF this weekend. I told my son about it and he said, "You had to follow THAT?" He loved that thought too :)
ReplyDeleteGod did exceedingly abundantly more than I could have hoped or imagined this weekend. You and my new NCompass friends are such a blessing!
It's such a thrill to hear a fresh revelation of Scriptures and how they touch the heart of one eager to hear. You, Kristi, were a blessing during the retreat.
ReplyDeleteKristi thank you for the beautiful scenery in your words. I could find my self in "different countries" when I read the devotion. You have forever left a mark on my heart and I am so glad to meet you in person.
ReplyDeleteEdie thank yo for sharing.
Kristi, it was as beautiful on paper as it was in front of the group. Thank you for sharing the gift you were given. Is the photo from the lake, too?
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