Here is today’s devotion to start your day.
Available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
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A Vision in the Temple: Isaiah. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 60
Sunset’s Dawn, Part 12. Jake has a dark side
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Scripture: Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, ‘God with us.’”
Reflection
Mary was likely no more than fourteen. She lived in a forgotten town, in a culture where women’s voices held little weight, and her future was already mapped out—marriage, motherhood, obscurity. But then an angel appeared. And in a moment, the ordinary cracked open to reveal the divine.
Gabriel’s message was overwhelming: she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of the Most High. Her response wasn’t a confident speech or a list of qualifications. It was surrender.
“Behold, the servant of the Lord; be it to me according to your word.”
That is courage. Not the absence of fear, but the presence of trust.
Mary’s “yes” meant public shame, potential rejection, a future she could not control. It meant her body would bear the weight of God’s promise. Yet, she said yes. Not because she understood—but because she believed the One who asked.
God didn’t choose a queen or a prophetess. He chose a teenage girl with an open heart.
And through her courage, the Word became flesh.
If God can entrust the hope of the world to a girl from Nazareth, He can birth something holy in you—no matter your fear, your status, or your questions.
Centering Prayer
God who invites the lowly,
Teach me to say yes. Even when I don’t understand, even when it costs me. Birth courage in me—not loud or proud, but steady and surrendered. Let my soul echo Mary’s brave and sacred “Let it be.” – Amen
Practice for Today
What is God asking you to say “yes” to, even if it’s scary or unclear? Speak a simple prayer of surrender: “Be it to me according to your word.”
Journaling Prompt
Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply—even without all the answers?
Blessing for the Day
Don’t allow fear to be your master—faith has a deeper voice.
Let surrender open doors that strength could never unlock.
Let the courage of Mary stir your own quiet bravery.
And let your “yes” to God echo into eternity.
Pray As You Go
Breathe in: Be it to me…
Breathe out: … according to Your word