And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:46–47

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Galilee, he gave her life-altering news: she was going to birth the Savior of the world. Then the angel delivered more astonishing news: her cousin Elizabeth, he said, “has also conceived a son in her old age” (v. 36). Not only was Mary going to give birth; Elizabeth, who was older and barren, was also going to be a mother. Gabriel stated, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (v. 37).

Imagine what Mary and Elizabeth must have felt: shocked, afraid, maybe a little dazed. Mary’s reaction was to thank the Lord. She didn’t understand, and it didn’t seem physically possible—but she said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Later in her prayer, Mary recounted God’s faithfulness and ended with praise for who God is and what He had done throughout the generations.

When Gabriel delivered his glorious yet puzzling message, Mary’s instinct was grateful praise. She knew and trusted the faithfulness of God, and because of that, she praised Him. With the Lord, the impossible is always possible.

With Your help, Lord, my reach is endless. Thank You for all the possibilities You pour into my life!

Zondervan. 2018. 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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