1. Anxiety BOULEVARD
Mary’s encounter with the angel:
“She was greatly troubled”
— Luke 1:29
2. Acceptance ALLEY
Although Mary started her journey with anxiety she didn’t
“May it be to me as you have said”
— Luke 1:38
It is on Acceptance Alley that we say, “Okay God, have it your way.”
How do we move from Anxiety Blvd to Acceptance Alley?
Trust moves us from anxiety to acceptance. Trusting and believing that God’s intent is not to harm you, but to
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
— Jeremiah 29:11
You can count on Jesus.
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic”
— Isaiah 28:16
Jesus said,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me”
— John 14:1“When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christ-like, it resolves a great deal of anxiety.”
— A.W. Tozer
3. Adoration COURT
When traveling down the road that leads to TRUST,
Elizabeth said,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”
— Luke 1:42
Mary’s Song:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors”
— Luke 1:46-55
This long journey that began on Anxiety Blvd. then turned to a place called Acceptance Alley, was on the move again! Mary was now at a place called Adoration Court. This court was a court of
“When you focus on how wonderful God is and all the great things He’s done…is doing…and even will do in your life, your natural response will be praise, adoration and awe. Don’t let yourself ever get used to it…stay amazed!”
— Joyce Meyer