Let’s be honest, becoming a first-time parent is a tough transition for anyone. Late-night feedings, the regular rhythm of dirty diapers, and fussy colic experiences can make even the most prepared new parent feel like they’re living in a daze.

But put yourself in Mary’s place. Even though she has never been intimate with a man, an angel comes to her and says, “You’re going to be the mother of the Son of God.”

That’s a pretty stressful pronouncement.

The Bible says she responded to this news just like any of us would—she worried. “Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean” (Luke 1:29 NLT).

Pastor, you might find yourself in Mary’s shoes this Christmas. 

You don’t know what 2022 has in store for you and your church. The last two years have been particularly stressful on church leaders. You’re concerned about what’s next. Maybe God is preparing you for a new ministry.

 

So you’re worrying.

Worry is essentially a control issue. It’s trying to control the uncontrollable. 

We can’t control the economy, so we worry about the economy. We can’t control our children, so we worry about our children. We can’t control the future, so we worry about the future. 

But worry never solves anything! It’s stewing without doing.

What does Mary do with her worry?

Mary said: “God took one good look at me, and look what happened—I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten” (Luke 1:48 The Message).

Mary’s prayer in Luke 1 is filled with many Scriptures from the Old Testament. She was a woman of the Word. Instead of focusing on her situation, she focused on the promises of God.

Yes, you may be facing an impossible situation in your ministry or personal life this Christmas. But the Bible declares over and over that God is with you and will carry you through it.

God promises to help us as we lead our churches and our families in 2022. But we need to know and claim the promises of God so that we don’t worry about our future.

Are you ready to trust God for whatever is in store for you in 2022?