Belief and unbelief.
Joseph trusted in God. His brothers trusted in their own plans (their plot to be rid of a little brother–good thing for them that God had other plans!).
Job was grappling with faith in the midst of an unimaginable hardship. His friends were at work to find his human flaws to justify punishment.
Zechariah asked a question of the messenger–Mary did too!–but what was at work on a heart level differentiated them. One, who was perhaps doubtful. The other, seeking.
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:1:38 NLT.
Paul talks about God using the least expected to confound the wise–and it’s splayed across chapters: a brother sold into slavery who becomes a leader … a wealthy man who loses everything in moments … a virgin girl and a barren, old woman to both conceive children who would change everything … and even Paul, hater turned lover of Christ.
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT.
Overall, a message of being chosen, and a reminder that nothing is impossible with God.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 