When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to a son and that his name would be Jesus, Mary was confused and thought that he might be speaking in code, so she was trying to figure out the true meaning of what he said. However, Gabriel reassured her that she had found favor with God and that it was all true. At this time, Mary was a virgin, so she asked the angel how this could happen to her, and he replied telling her that the baby would be conceived by the Holy Spirit, which meant that her son was holy. He went on to say that Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, had become pregnant as well after not being able to conceive a child for a long time. Towards the end of their conversation, Gabriel reminded Mary of an important truth… the Word of God never fails.

Today, we naturally want to make plans for our lives, but we need to remember that the plans we have for ourselves might not work out if it is not His will. Our earthly lives will not last and will eventually fade away along with all the things of this world. However, the plan that God has for us is perfect, will never fade, and will never fail. We need to learn how to trust His timing and His plan because, in the long run, that is the only thing we can do. Even if the plan He has for us isn’t what we want, He knows that it is what we need. His plans are for good and to lead us in the right path towards the future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Suggested prayer: Lord, thank you for having a perfect plan in place for me when I don’t have the right plan or any plan at all. Thank you for promising to keep your word and for always following through with what you say. Please, help me to not take matters into my own hands and to instead, leave them in your hands. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. Luke 1:37 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.