The Cost of Obeying God
When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary that fateful day, I doubt she had any clue how greatly her life was about to change. After all, his greeting troubled her, and she must have wondered what his words meant. But once he explained God's plan for her to bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and surrender: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).
With those words, Mary agreed to carry the very Son of God in her womb, knowing full well the cost that came with such an honor. She knew people would accuse her of impurity when they noticed her pregnant belly. After all, she was still a virgin espoused to Joseph.
Prisoners of Hope, Part Two
Witness the power of worship even in the midst of darkness and despair. Explore the significance of Paul and Silas singing praises to God while in chains and how their act of worship impacted not only their own spirits but also the other prisoners around them. Delve into the miraculous events that unfolded when an earthquake shook the prison, causing chains to fall off and doors to open. Reflect on the unexpected response of not only Paul and Silas but also the other prisoners, as they chose to stay despite the opportunity to escape.