Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 & Luke 1:26-38.
These are two very different times in history, two very different people and two distinct circumstances. But there are some similarities that are important for us to note. Neither the boy Samuel or the girl Mary were famous or powerful. Neither of them had been to seminary or had any special ministry training. Neither of them were from a powerful family. They were both simple people like you and me. But God chose them for greatness. Samuel grew up to be a powerful prophet of Israel, the one who anointed David to be king. Mary became the mother of the Messiah from the line of David.. God did not choose them because of their special talents or because they had studied and prepared themselves. What they both had that God could use was willingness. They both made themselves available to be used by God. Samuel said, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Mary said, "Let it be to me as you have said." Heeding God's call can often be life changing requiring us to leave the familiar and launch out into the unknown. Or it may simply mean living where we are now but with new priorities. But in either event, it arises out of our response to God's call to be radically available. Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. Are we getting prepared to have God use us in a new way next year? Get ready, get set..............
