Around 6 BC, in the ancient Galilean village of Nazareth, a young woman’s life was about to be transformed by an unexpected, life-altering encounter. This woman was Mary Joachim.
According to Christian tradition, Mary’s parents, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, had long been unable to conceive. It was an angel of God who first visited them, announcing that they would be blessed with a daughter, whom they were to name Mary. The divine interventions, however, did not stop there.
A Destiny-Defining Moment
When Mary was a young woman – historians often suggest she was about 16 – she had a second, destiny-defining encounter with the angel Gabriel. The angel greeted her with a shocking announcement:
“Fear not, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son and shall call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30–31)
Troubled and astonished, Mary immediately questioned the angel, understanding the biological reality of conception: “How shall this be, seeing I do not know a man?”
Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but they had not yet come together as husband and wife. Gabriel swiftly explained the miraculous nature of the event: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you; therefore, that holy child Who shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
The Supernatural Fulfillment of Prophecy
Mary conceived miraculously, defying all natural and biological expectations. This event was the fulfillment of prophecy, as written centuries earlier by Isaiah: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call him name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14)
Meanwhile, Mary’s fiancé, Joseph Jacob, knowing he was not the father, privately planned to end their engagement to avoid bringing public shame upon her. However, his mind was changed following a visitation from another angel, who explained that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).
Our Invitation to Partner with God
The story of the virgin birth powerfully illustrates a profound truth: God partners with humanity to fulfill His purposes on earth. He can and does suspend natural laws to make what seems impossible to us possible. God demonstrated His absolute power and wonder in Mary’s life, supernaturally sending Jesus Christ through the virgin birth to save the world from sin, sickness, and spiritual oppression.
In this divine partnership, God is particular about the sanctity of the vessel He chooses to use. He therefore calls us to “be holy, as He is holy.” (Lev. 21:8) Just as God favoured and used Mary, He is equally interested in using you to be a part of the solution to the problems of humanity today.
To step into this purpose, you must allow the Holy Spirit to take over your life. This begins by receiving Jesus Christ for a new spiritual birth.
If you wish to accept this partnership and have God’s Spirit overshadow your life, you can say this simple prayer:
Lord Jesus, I come into Your presence. I receive and confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I believe that You died and rose again to save me. Come into my heart now. Let Your Spirit overshadow me that I may be a blessing to humanity and fulfill Your purpose. Amen.
By Sunday Omori
HEM Int'l 