Main Scripture Reference - Luke 1:46-56

Other Scripture References: Luke 1:28-30; Joel 2:25; James 4:6; Isaiah 66:2; Luke 1:39-42

INTRO–‘Ordinary Faithfulness’

It is one thing to start well in your faith and life, but it is another thing all together to finish strong. The problem for most followers of Jesus is that almost all of life consists of ordinary days, not extraordinary, and staying faithfully focused on the eternal outcome of life takes extraordinary action. And if you want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” at the end of your life you must live faithfully in the daily life you lead.

• How do you feel about your ordinary every day life? How do you stay focused on being faithful?

STEP #1–‘Knowing Your Life State’Read Luke 1:46-56; Luke 1:28-30; & Joel 2:25

The story of Mary and the birth of Jesus reveals glimpses into what it takes to continue living a strong faithful life, even when the outcome is not so clear. Even though Mary heard and knew the promise of God concerning the child she was carrying, she still had to go about living as a poor pregnant teenager, from an insignificant village, under the regime of an often brutal foreign ruler. However, Mary’s focus was not defined by her life situation but on God, who promised her and her people a life of hope and salvation. You too must reflect on your life state, but in living your life, don’t focus on the frustration and challenges of life but on the promises and purposes of God.

• When was the last time you reflected on your life’s journey? How would you describe you life’s state or status right now?


• Do day to day frustrations and challenging life seasons cause you to lose sight of your God bearings and life goals? How do you stay on track?

STEP #2–‘Singing Your Life Song’Re-read Luke 1:46-48

Mary knew her life song was not based on her circumstances but on God’s calling and she totally reflected that in her life and faith. When she sang her song to God she not only magnified the glory of God but believed that God would bless her to even being called blessed by generations to come. She didn’t allow her journey to be stifled by issues or what other people thought. She chose to live by God’s promises, allowing others to see and hear about God work in her life even before they came true.

• How is life challenging you right now? How do you keep moving forward in tough times or situations?


• How would you describe your life’s song? What song are other people hearing and seeing from you right now?

STEP #3–‘Living Out Your Faith Practices’Read James 4:6; Isaiah 66:2; & Luke 1:39-42

Not only did Mary know her life was in God’s hands, Mary also put faith into practice in order to keep walking in God’s way during tough and mundane times in life. From Mary’s life you can see that first of all she realize her great need for God. Pride often gets in the way of living the faithful Christian life because without seeing the need for God you will never come to God for direction, power and purpose. Secondly, Mary immersed herself in God’s promises. Mary knew God’s word and lived faithful on what God said and promised. The third thing Mary did was to commit to sexual integrity using this gift as a power to create and not destroy, being faithful in what God planned for her and the birth of Jesus. Finally, she sought Godly fellowship, allowing Elizabeth to not only encourage her but clarify God’s purposes in her life.

• What is one unholy lie that has taunted you or kept you away from reaching God’s best for your life?


• Who is your Godly fellowship that continually speaks God’s vision and encouragement into your life? Who are you speaking life into in the same way?


• What song will you choose to sing in this life season?