14: Finding God in the Messenger
Posted on August 14, 2022
by My Berean Life
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Day 14 of 40: Dr. Shaunta Scroggins, Featured Contributor
Luke 1:26-27 ESV says, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.”
Mary was young, pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and engaged to a man wondering what was happening. She was also troubled at her unexplainable reality, until visited by Gabriel the angel. It’s amazing the lengths God will go to so we can understand His plan. He will reach us in unusual ways. Transparent moment: This is the passage of Scripture that inspired me to pray for angelic visitation. I loved the custom-made intimacy of this moment. Gabriel was sent to Mary. Mary’s uneasiness was important to God. And at the right time, the visitation came. And with the visitation, peace, understanding, and a chance to make an informed choice.
Think about the people who showed up in your life at odd times, and over the years, they proved to be God-sent. Knowing God loved us enough to place special people on our paths inspired hope. People who saw us when it seemed that the world ignored us. People who listened when others silenced us. People who shared a shoulder to lean on when everyone else leaned on us. They are like angels, I think. And I am grateful for the hope they have given me through the years.
These are some people who have been sent to me, I believe by God. There are others, I just did not find pictures (which means I did not interrupt the memories we made to take any!). Yolanda (bottom right), the truth teller, has been instrumental in slicing through my overthinking to provide clarity. Marlon (bottom and top left; see day 11 of 40) is my translator; he has a divine ability to make complex concepts and life lessons digestible. Ms. Renee (second down, top right) has shaped my prayer life and spiritual growth in concrete ways. Lena (day 2 of 40) and Chat (you’ll meet her on day 34) have observed my evolutions since 1999. Then there is Liz; Liz is an absolute blessing (middle and bottom center pics). Somehow, she believes in me and it is a continual, occasional, seasonal, and very real source of hope.
Be encouraged in hope. Sometimes, we find God in the messenger.
These 40 days are about having and holding on to hope. As you read, watch, and ponder on these hope reminders, share them with others. Let’s hold fast to hope (Heb. 10:23), for it does not disappoint or cause us to be ashamed (Rom. 5:5). As we fulfill God’s calling on our lives, let’s receive Holy Spirit’s revelations of hope (Eph. 1:18). Hope is part of the armor for the believers in and disciples of Jesus Christ. Our God is the God of hope (Rom. 15:13). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Salvation creates in us a hope for the future (1 Pet. 3:15). The Scriptures encourage us to endure so that we will have hope (Rom. 15:4). Most of all, remember that when we need to refresh our hope, these meditations will be here waiting for us.
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The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 
14: Finding God in the Messenger
Posted on August 14, 2022 by My Berean Life
Leave a Comment
Day 14 of 40: Dr. Shaunta Scroggins, Featured Contributor
Luke 1:26-27 ESV says, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.”
Mary was young, pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and engaged to a man wondering what was happening. She was also troubled at her unexplainable reality, until visited by Gabriel the angel. It’s amazing the lengths God will go to so we can understand His plan. He will reach us in unusual ways. Transparent moment: This is the passage of Scripture that inspired me to pray for angelic visitation. I loved the custom-made intimacy of this moment. Gabriel was sent to Mary. Mary’s uneasiness was important to God. And at the right time, the visitation came. And with the visitation, peace, understanding, and a chance to make an informed choice.
Think about the people who showed up in your life at odd times, and over the years, they proved to be God-sent. Knowing God loved us enough to place special people on our paths inspired hope. People who saw us when it seemed that the world ignored us. People who listened when others silenced us. People who shared a shoulder to lean on when everyone else leaned on us. They are like angels, I think. And I am grateful for the hope they have given me through the years.
These are some people who have been sent to me, I believe by God. There are others, I just did not find pictures (which means I did not interrupt the memories we made to take any!). Yolanda (bottom right), the truth teller, has been instrumental in slicing through my overthinking to provide clarity. Marlon (bottom and top left; see day 11 of 40) is my translator; he has a divine ability to make complex concepts and life lessons digestible. Ms. Renee (second down, top right) has shaped my prayer life and spiritual growth in concrete ways. Lena (day 2 of 40) and Chat (you’ll meet her on day 34) have observed my evolutions since 1999. Then there is Liz; Liz is an absolute blessing (middle and bottom center pics). Somehow, she believes in me and it is a continual, occasional, seasonal, and very real source of hope.
Be encouraged in hope. Sometimes, we find God in the messenger.
These 40 days are about having and holding on to hope. As you read, watch, and ponder on these hope reminders, share them with others. Let’s hold fast to hope (Heb. 10:23), for it does not disappoint or cause us to be ashamed (Rom. 5:5). As we fulfill God’s calling on our lives, let’s receive Holy Spirit’s revelations of hope (Eph. 1:18). Hope is part of the armor for the believers in and disciples of Jesus Christ. Our God is the God of hope (Rom. 15:13). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Salvation creates in us a hope for the future (1 Pet. 3:15). The Scriptures encourage us to endure so that we will have hope (Rom. 15:4). Most of all, remember that when we need to refresh our hope, these meditations will be here waiting for us.
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Category: 40 Days of HopeTags: 40 Days of Hope, Bereans Commentary, hope, live in hope
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