Showing posts with label Kristi Butler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kristi Butler. Show all posts

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Weekend Worship—Highly Favored

Today I'm really excited to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Kristi Butler. Kristi was one of the attendees at our annual NCompass Writers Retreat and she shared this devotion with us. I immediately knew I had to share it with all of you.


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?”

Hear the reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…the power of the Most High will overshadow you….For nothing is impossible with God. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:35, 37, 45 NIV

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.