Advent at Ararat 2025 Day 6 & Day 7: Those who believe, receive the fulfillment of those things promised.

“And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭41‬-‭45‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After saying yes to being the Mother of our Lord, Mary goes to visit her relative, Elizabeth, in the hill country of Judah.

The greeting of Mary to Elizabeth causes Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit. As well, the child Elizabeth was carrying (John the Baptizer), leapt with joy inside her womb. Interestingly, this was actually fulfilling the prophecy given to John’s father by the angel, before John was conceived:

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After Elizabeth, and the child within her, are filled with the Holy Spirit, she makes a statement of simple, powerful, truth: “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The catalyst for this part of the plan of God to redeem the world and to reinstate our sonship, was the simple act of Mary believing what had been said to her by Gabriel. Thinking of that, I can’t help but wonder how many blessings may have been forfeited because of an unwillingness to believe the word of the Lord. How many people have missed God’s plan for their lives because of incessant doubt?

Now, statements referencing missing God’s plan for our lives, may seem confusing. After all, if it is God‘s will for something to happen, will it not happen, regardless of what anyone believes? Simply put, God‘s will, in terms of His overall plan, will be done. However, through whom it is performed, depends on the willingness of His people and/or the agendas of those who are not His.

Let me explain. That our will must co-operate with God’s will for us, is clear. However, another aspect of the irresistible nature of God‘s will is that He also uses the agendas of evil people to perform His plan. Consider what Joseph said to his brothers who had sold him into slavery:

“Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You see, the Lord doesn’t override anyone’s will, but He will work His will through those who are doing things out of their own agendas.

However, with those who belong to the Lord, He will present His will, giving an opportunity for acceptance or rejection. Then, as discussed concerning Mary, it is also our part to trust God to work out the details.

For today let’s meditate on whether or not we may be missing out on God’s best for us by failing to believe His word.

Additionally, in terms of the Lord’s Second Coming, do you also have expectancy or excitement about that happening? Do your actions reveal that expectancy?

Yesterday, we discussed saying yes to the word of the Lord. Today, we are reminded that to then see the plan/promise fulfilled, we must also believe.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!