Advent Week 2 · When Heaven Speaks
Oftentimes in our lives, God’s voice feels distant.
Not simply, absent or just quiet.
You believe in Him, you trust Him, yet the clarity you long for seems beyond reach. You pray, but the future still feels fragile. You move forward, but you wish you knew more.
Mary understood this tension.
Luke tells us that the angel greeted her with words she never expected to hear:
“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you.”
Luke 1:28
But instead of confidence, Mary felt “greatly troubled.” She didn’t understand what God was doing. She didn’t have all the answers. She only had a word from heaven and an invitation to trust.
This is often how God speaks.
He steps into ordinary moments with a quiet word meant to steady our hearts. He doesn’t always reveal the plan. But He does reveal Himself.
The angel said:
“Do not be afraid… you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:30
Before Mary had answers, God gave her assurance.
Before she knew the path, God reminded her of His presence.
Advent draws us into this same story: the God who speaks courage into fear and hope into uncertainty. A God who sees us, knows us, and meets us where we are.
Mary’s response becomes the heartbeat of faith:
“I am the Lord’s servant… let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38
She didn’t understand the whole picture, but she trusted the One who held it.
Her “yes” became the doorway through which God’s redeeming work unfolded.
Maybe this week you feel like Mary: willing, but unsure.
Or perhaps you feel more like Joseph: confused, yet desiring to be faithful.
Or like anyone who has ever said, “Lord, I hear You… but I don’t see how this will work.”
Advent reminds us that faith begins not with certainty, but with surrender.
Not with knowing everything, but with trusting the God who knows you.
He still speaks.
He still guides.
He still enters ordinary days with extraordinary grace.
Try to find one place in your life where you need clarity.
Bring it before Him.
Ask, “Lord, what are You speaking into this moment?”
The God who spoke to Mary still speaks to His people today.
Imagine hearing God’s voice where you feel the least certain.
A Prayer
Lord, please come into my life this week.
Make Your presence louder than my fears.
Teach me to trust what You say, even when I cannot see the whole path.
Let my heart respond with surrender and faith.
Amen.
Reflection
Share one place where you are seeking God’s direction with a friend, coworker, or family member.
Pray together:
“Lord, help us hear You clearly this week.”
References
Scripture (ESV): Luke 1:26–56
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is in the Manger (2010)
