Luke 1:30-33 - Fearing the Unknown

Fearing the Unknown

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him 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, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’” (Luke 1:30-33, NIV)

Recently, I found strength in Mary’s story and could relate to some of her same emotions but, of course, on a significantly lesser level.

When my husband was called into ministry with Lutheran Indian Ministries, they asked if we were willing to move to Green Bay, Wisconsin, from Lawrence, Kansas. Initially, the overwhelming fear and excitement I had was indescribable.

First, I was scared to tell my family about our decision to enter into ministry and leave our home. I am extremely close to them and spent time with them on a daily basis. I was also overwhelmed with the task that God had given us to help bring people into His Kingdom. Can you imagine how scared Mary must have been to have to explain this to Joseph and her family?

Second, Mary traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem while pregnant with Jesus. I was overwhelmed with the preparation and the move. Bob and I have a 2-year-old son and a 4-month-old son. The thought of packing up and leaving for the unknown was unimaginable. I cannot imagine how Mary felt.

Third, when Joseph and Mary got to their destination, there was no room for them in the inn. Mary had no idea where she would be giving birth to her child and Savior. I had only seen our rental home once but had no idea what condition it would be in when it was time to move.

When we arrived, however, Pastor Mark Schumm and his wife, Joan, members of Zion Lutheran, plus staff from Lutheran Indian Ministries, were busy cleaning our home and waiting to help us unload our belongings. We were so blessed!

There is a huge difference between the feelings I had and the feelings Mary must have had, but I tried to hold onto that same faith that Mary clung to as she entered into the unknown. In Jesus and by faith, we find life and are able to overcome.

Thank You, Jesus, for coming to earth in flesh for our salvation and also providing us with people to come alongside of us in uncertain times to remind us of Your plans. Amen.

- Deon Prue, Oneida, Wisconsin

Deon and her husband, Bob (Rosebud Sioux), share their life experiences and how the Lord called them out of a hurtful lifestyle and into His marvelous light - the light of Christ.