Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

      

What would you feel if someone turned up on your doorstep and said, “I have a message from God for you. You are highly favoured!”? Well maybe you are a smart person, well versed in Scripture and maybe you might think, “Oh, that's nice.” Well Scripture is possibly more honest than you and me because it says, “Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” We can only assume that many years later Mary told Luke about this and with the candour of more mature years was quite honest: “I didn't know what to think!”

 

I think we need to be honest; there are times when we don't know how to answer God. Why? Because we're not sure what He is saying! I have read the Bible for many years and there are still occasions when I have to say, “Lord, I don't know what this is saying.” God looks for honesty not super spirituality! There's something quite lovely about this story (and remember I'm assuming Mary was being strictly honest as she recounted to Luke what had happened). The angel doesn't tell her off for being dense! Instead he understands exactly what is going through her mind and seeks to reassure her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” We don't know what it was in Mary, but in God's eyes she was all right! He knows us! You don't have to be worried, the Lord knows your imperfections and He still loves you!!! He understands you and hasn't come to scold you but encourage you.