Sermon Recap | Dec. 14, 2025

December 17th, 2025

When God Appears - Part 1

Dr. Bill Shuler

The Christmas story isn't just a beautiful narrative from 2,000 years ago—it's a powerful reminder that God is actively working in our lives today, even when we can't see it. In a world filled with struggle and uncertainty, the birth of Jesus represents the ultimate breakthrough moment when God's silence was broken and hope entered the world.

What Does It Mean When God Seems Silent?

Between the Old and New Testaments, there were 400 years of prophetic silence. No word from God. No clear direction. For those living during that time, it might have felt like God had abandoned them or stopped caring about their struggles.

Perhaps you're in a similar season right now. You're praying about situations, but you're not hearing clear answers. You don't know what God is saying about the challenges you're facing or the direction you should take.

Silence Doesn't Mean Absence

The crucial truth we learn from the Christmas story is that silence doesn't mean God is absent. During those 400 years, God was orchestrating events, preparing hearts, and setting the stage for the most significant moment in human history.

Galatians 4:4 tells us, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law." The phrase "fullness of time" reveals that God was working behind the scenes, even during the silence.

How Does God Work Behind the Scenes in Our Lives?

God is orchestrating things in your life right now that you may not even recognize. He's planting seeds, creating momentum, and establishing trajectories that will make all the difference in your relationships, career, and calling.

God Often Works Differently Than We Expect

At the end of a year, many people evaluate whether their expectations have been met. If they haven't, discouragement can set in. But God often works in ways quite different from our expectations. He may be preparing something far greater than what we originally envisioned.

Have you experienced detours in your story this year? Were you caught by surprise by certain events? Do you have questions about God's direction? These experiences are normal parts of the journey of faith.

What Can We Learn from Mary's Response to God's Plan?

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he brought news that would change everything—not just for her, but for all of humanity. Her response teaches us valuable lessons about trusting God when His plans don't make sense.

Mary Was Highly Favored

The angel's greeting to Mary was significant: "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." These same words can be spoken over your life. You wouldn't be seeking God if you didn't have faith that He wants to meet you. You are highly favored, and the Lord is with you.

She Asked Questions But Remained Open

When Mary asked, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" she wasn't expressing doubt—she was seeking understanding. It's okay to have questions about God's plans for your life. The key is remaining open to His answers, even when they don't align with our natural understanding.

What Does "Nothing Is Impossible with God" Really Mean?

Gabriel's response to Mary's question contains one of the most powerful promises in Scripture: "For no word from God will ever fail" (Luke 1:37). Another translation puts it this way: "With God, nothing shall be impossible."

When Your "How" Meets God's "Nothing Is Impossible"

It's when your "how will this be" moment meets the "nothing is impossible with God" moment that you realize you don't need to walk in fear. You can walk in faith because God is actively working in your situation right now.

This doesn't mean life becomes stress-free when you're in God's will. Mary faced enormous challenges and social stigma. But being blessed doesn't mean being stress-free—it means knowing God is with you through every circumstance.

Why Was Mary's Obedience So Crucial?

Mary's response changed the course of history: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." With this life-changing statement, she aligned herself with God's purposes, despite not understanding everything.

The Enemy's Opposition

Revelation 12 reveals that there was spiritual warfare surrounding Jesus' birth. The enemy wanted to destroy God's plan from the very beginning. Mary's obedience was crucial not just for her own life, but for all of humanity.

The same enemy that opposed Mary also opposes you. But greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. God is fighting for you right now, just as He protected Mary and brought His purposes to pass.

How Can We Apply Mary's Example Today?

The Christmas story challenges us to say, along with Mary, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word be fulfilled in me." This isn't passive resignation—it's active faith that trusts God's goodness even when we can't see the full picture.

God Uses Ordinary People

History didn't record that a high priest or king introduced God's son to the world. It was likely a teenage girl named Mary. God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. He has a calling on your life that you may not even fully understand yet.

God Provides a Support Team

When God brings forth His purposes, He draws together a support team of like hearts and minds. Elizabeth supported Mary during her pregnancy. John the Baptist would later introduce Jesus to the world. God will surround you with people who will strengthen you and whom you will strengthen in return.

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Life Application

This week, embrace the truth that God is working behind the scenes in your life, even during seasons of silence or uncertainty. Like Mary, choose to trust God's timing and purposes, even when you don't understand everything.

Consider adopting Mary's response as your own: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word be fulfilled in me." This means being open to God's plans, even when they differ from your expectations, and trusting that His timing is perfect.

Ask yourself these questions:

In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's timing rather than my own expectations?
How can I remain open to God's plans when they don't align with my natural understanding?
What would it look like for me to say "May your word be fulfilled in me" regarding the situations I'm currently facing?
How can I support others who are also waiting for God's breakthrough in their lives?

Remember, with God, nothing is impossible. Your "how will this be" moments are opportunities to experience His miraculous power and perfect timing.

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Posted in Prayer + Devotion, Sermon Blog