INTRODUCTION

Before World War II I started a work to bring the Gospel to feeble-minded people who were not in institutions. They were not able to go to church: they could not understand the sermon. But did they not need the Lord Jesus, just like you and I? We learn from the Bible that the Lord Jesus has a great love and concern for everyone who is in need. For He said, "Come unto me all..."

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth....” II Timothy 2:24-25

The words of this text beautifully describe the ministry of D. L. Moody. Moody was an evangelist gifted by God to win souls for the kingdom. Although the title “the servant of the Lord” is used quite loosely in these days, we can say that Moody served his Lord, the living God of heaven. His meek and gentle disposition allowed him to persuade tens of thousands of souls who “opposed themselves.” D. L. Moody, chosen by God to ride the waves of the Revival of 1859-60, was a vessel prepared for the Master’s use. They say he won a million souls through his evangelistic pleadings in meetings all around the world. He established three training institutions for ministers and other Christian workers. A church stands to this day with his name on it in Chicago. Thousands of books bear the name Moody Press, another reminder to us of his influence. The name Moody is a household name among most Christian’s in the English-speaking world. Why? The answer is filled with challenge and insight for all of us who desire to be servants of the King.

When was the last time you sacrificed? Sacrifice means to devote or bestow a present or gift, to slay. As Christian wives and mothers, we know what it means to sacrifice. Most of us give of ourselves, daily devoting and bestowing our gifts of time and self. When we peek in on the life of Hannah we see an example of great sacrifice—that of “losing” a child and of “slaying” ones own desires to give to another. Hannah was a woman with a great emptiness in her heart. That emptiness could only be filled by a child, a son for whom Hannah had longed. Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, was a godly man. The Bible tells us in 1st Samuel that, “Year after year he went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord at Shiloh.” During this time of sacrifice, Elkanah gave portions of meat to his wife, Peninnah, and to all her sons and daughters. These were sons and daughters she bore to Elkanah. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her. Could it be that Hannah held a “special” place in his heart? Could it be that they grieved together at not creating children from that love. It tells us in the Word that, “the Lord had closed her womb.” Here we see God’s plan as it unfolds and how he had a very specific purpose in not willing blessings to Hannah and Elkanah until the precise time, His time.

As I ponder Mary, the mother of Jesus, I think of a maiden—sweet, fresh, pure and simple. I see her small stature busily going about her daily tasks with no thoughts as to what her future will hold. Oh, I am sure her dearest Joseph crossed her mind, though, from time to time. Her impending betrothal must have given her great joy indeed.

The Bible tells us in Luke, Chapter 1 that God found favor with Mary. The angel that visited Mary said, “Hail! Thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” I would like to look at those precious words, “You have found favor.”

She was beloved of God. He saw in Mary a woman who was after His own heart. God wasn’t a stranger to Mary. She knew of the promised Messiah and no doubt longed for this “promised one.”