I. It’s Never To Late to Pray and Seek God For Our Needs and Desires  (but leave the timing to him)

6  And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7  But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.   13  But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

18  And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

20  "But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

Lu 1:34  Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

II. God’s Got a Perfect Plan and He Uses Prepared People to Fulfill It

28  And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

29  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

30  Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.

32  "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33  "And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

A. A Prepared Person searches the Scriptures for understanding the person of God, His promises and their context  

(what is promised to whom, how {prerequisites/requirements}, and when)

46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,  47  And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.

B. A Prepared Person rejoices in the person of God as well as His promises

(intimate experiential relationship {time, knowing, trusting, anticipating, 2-way communicating/sharing, give/receive})

51  He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52  He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.

53  He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

C. A Prepared Person lives in expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promises

(patiently waiting in a place of blessing {being blessable {Ps 84:11}, persevering/enduring, obediently laying up rewards)

54  He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy,

55  As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever."

III. Being Part Of His Perfect Plan Messes Up Our Petty Plans until we understand that God’s plan is perfect

Lk 1:37  "For with God nothing will be impossible." 38  Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

45  "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

Lk 22:42  saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

Rom 4:20  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,  21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Ps 119:38  Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. (cf. Lk 1:50)

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. On what sort of things to earthlings fix their affections, hopes, dreams and aspirations? What should godly people desire most?

2. How do we react when our plans get thwarted? How does one balance sensitivity to the HS’s direction and stubborn refusal to give up?

3.  How willing are you to be used by God to accomplish His purposes on earth? What proof do you have of your preparation?

4. What disciplines are in your life to deepen your understanding of and relationship with God? For what will you sacrifice them?

5. What are you expecting God to do in and through your life this next year? How are you prepared to receive what He has in store for you?