God's Working For You

As I look at the favor that was on Esther’s life, Daniel's life, and Joseph’s life, I’m drawn to a statement that the Bible records about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Bible says, “Mary kept these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51).

Mary was experiencing some remarkable experiences with God. First, the angel Gabriel announced she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and still remain a virgin, and it happened just as the angel said.

Then, after the birth of Jesus, the shepherds came and announced what they had seen and heard concerning Jesus. That was truly amazing!

Later, as Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus in the temple, Simeon and Anna prophesied concerning him. That couldn’t have been a coincidence. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). There was something undeniable about his maturity.

About two years later, the wisemen came and worshiped Jesus at Joseph’s and Mary’s house. They presented valuable gifts to Jesus, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts could be traded in any open air market when they fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s decree to kill all children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). Then, when Jesus was about 12 years old, He was found with the Doctors of the Law, interacting with them on their level of wisdom and knowledge.

In response to all these remarkable and unusual events, the Bible says, “Mary kept these things in her heart.” Just as you do things in secret for God, such as encouraging and blessing others, praying, and giving to the poor, your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:4-6).

I am believing for open rewards for you today! Some things God does are meant for you to share with others, and some are meant to be kept in your heart, like Mary, as your personal confirmation He’s working for you.