It’s Not Convenient
by Tanya Person
Recently God has been inviting me to do things that are not convenient. I sensed Him telling me that I had a choice. I didn’t have to do these things. He was just inviting me to join Him in something. Honestly, I was struggling with the inconvenience of doing these things. They pulled me out of my comfort zone. But as I made the choice, despite the inconvenience, I was blessed. I still had the physical discomforts, but I had such joy to be partnering with Him.
And then I thought of Mary, the virgin from Nazareth. It was very inconvenient for her to get pregnant. And yet she said these words in our verse for today, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” These words started her on a journey that would be filled with many difficulties and many joys.
After the first inconvenience of being pregnant as a virgin, then she had to travel to Bethlehem while she was great with child.
She had the horrible experience of losing Jesus in Jerusalem and only finding him three days later.
She had the agony of watching him die on the cross.
But she had the words of the shepherds and wise men to treasure in her heart.
She had the joy of seeing him turn water into wine.
She had the joy of seeing many miracles that he did.
She had the joy of seeing He was raised from the dead.
She had the joy of knowing that He was the Messiah.
I encourage you today to ask God what invitation He is extending to you. Or maybe you already know, and you have been struggling with accepting the invitation, because it is inconvenient. I’m not here to tell you it will be easy, but the joy of accepting His invitation makes the inconvenience worth it. Are you willing to accept His invitation?
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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