Week 7, March 9

To dare to dream again, move with God beyond your comfort zones

Introduction to Theme 7

I believe that there is some aspect of your life in which God is calling you to walk with and to him, and that when we say yes to his calling, it sets in motion a divine dynamic far beyond merely human power.

     John Ortberg,

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

People who are comfortable with where they are in life seldom aspire to anything greater. Often what prompts change is the awareness that our experience ought to be a lot better. In early New Testament times, Roman rule left the Jews with much to be desired. Talk of the long-awaited Messiah surfaced frequently. Even so, Jews had to be careful about what they said and to whom they spoke.

Gabriels announcement to young Mary had all kinds of ramifications. She had responded to Gods angel by saying, I am willing to accept whatever he wants (Luke 1:38). But the more her life unfolded and the more she saw the profound impact her decision had made, the more Mary must have gulped. In order for her peopleand the worldto dare to dream again, the mother of Jesus had to repeatedly move outside her comfort zones. And so must most of us if we are to fill the various roles God has in mind for our lives.

Theme 7: To dare to dream again, move with God beyond your comfort zones

Read Luke 1:2638; 2:3335; John 19:25b27

The announcement to Mary came in the privacy of a simple home in Nazareth, not in a temple or synagogue. To say "Greetings" and "The Lord is with you" was not uncommon; however, the phrase favored woman struck Mary as unusual and greatly troubled her. No doubt anxious thoughts about public opinion and Josephs reaction entered her mind because of the high standard expected in betrothals.

Several obligations of the Law had to be met after the birth of a child, the first being circumcision for a male on the eighth day. Also, the parents had to offer a sacrifice for their firstborn in order to redeem him no earlier than the forty-first day after the birth of a son. Mothers also had to offer sacrifices for their own purification (Leviticus 12:38). In this case, Joseph and Mary were only five miles from Jerusalem, so they brought Jesus to the Temple for presentation and the mothers purification. (Luke 2:2224). Simeon astounded them with piercing prophetic words, and Mary realized their fulfillment when soldiers thrust a spear into her son (Luke 2:35; John 19:25, 34). Gods purpose for Mary required her to move with him beyond her comfort zones.

Apply the Scriptures

1. Think of several instances in Scripture (including the ones listed above), in which Mary might have felt uncomfortable.

2. Can you relate to any of these situationstimes when you faced analogous situations or, perhaps, similar feelings?

3. What positive steps did Mary take to move with God beyond her comfort zones?

4. How might you take similar positive steps in your own situation? What other comfort zones can you see God would like you to move

beyond to continue in his dream for you?