Summary: When we look at the nativity, who are the characters that capture our attention? This series looks at the characters of the incarnation record. This message focuses on Mary and the implied application of her experience to our lives.

TITLE: "Mary: God Looks On The Heart"

TEXT: Matthew 1:16-25; Luke 1:26-28

INTRODUCTION: Every one of us has moments in our lives that determine our destinies. Sometimes we don’t realize those moments until they are gone and irretrievable.

Mary had several moments like that in her life.

Examples:

- The marriage in Cana

- At the foot of the cross

- early in her life (age 14) she began this life of unusual destiny.

What were some of her life lessons?

1.) God sometimes does EXTRAORDINARY things through ORDINARY PEOPLE. (vss. 18-25)

God chooses to use who He pleases, because…

2.) God doesn’t SEE THINGS the way MEN SEE THINGS (1 Samuel 16:7)

God sees things through the eyes of perfect knowledge and order, so…

3.) God doesn’t DO THINGS the way MEN DO THINGS (Isaiah 55:9-12)

When your plans get interrupted, it possibly means God is getting ready to accomplish His.

CONCLUSION: When God is in something, His way is BEST. (Psalm 61:2)