#Hiswillforyou
~If only we understood the ripple effect one simple yes could make~
Mary Did you Know is one of my favorite Christmas songs. My 1st God wink for writing today’s blog came to mind during this year’s Live Nativity performances at Herbert church. When Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel about baby Jesus, did she really know what was to come?

We read this announcement in Luke 1:30-32 NIV;
“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David”.
Of course, with Mary being a virgin, the only question she asked is how. We read Gabriel’s response in verse 35;
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God”.
We read Mary’s response in verse 38;
“I am the Lord’s servant, “Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said””.
Wow, if only when God tells us to do something would we respond like Mary. If only we understood the ripple effect one simple yes could make. Mary really wasn’t given an option like we are today. If only we understood that with a simple yes, we would have already received the favor of God.
The song asks Mary some powerful questions. These are a few of my favorites;
“Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Mary, did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered would soon deliver you?”
This past Wednesday night Deborah and I ran in a Christmas 5k together in Conway SC called “Under the Lights”. We ran through some amazing Christmas lights. The picture on the cover of this blog was me standing in front of a Nativity Scene before the race began. I just happened to park in front of it. At that point I felt the 2nd God wink to share this blog with you. My one simple yes to Run for God has had a ripple effect that was greater than I could have ever dreamed. This one simple yes, this sacrifice, this act of service had a bigger blessing for me than those who received it. Little did I know when I picked my word for 2019, “Influence” what impact I would really have. I have already picked my word for 2020, I can’t wait to share it with you all very soon.
At the finish line of the race they had Christmas music playing. As the song, “Mary Did You Know?” played I felt God’s 3rd God wink to share this blog with you today. I will leave you with a few questions;
What is your “yes” that you have been holding back? You’ve already received the favor of God if you just take that one step forward. I’m sure your thinking; easier said than done. I want you to know when we write these blogs, usually God is using them to step on our toes as well. The bigger question, what ripple effect will you miss out on by saying no?

Mary Did you Know by: Pentatonix