Start with Why

“The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.” Luke 9:28 (ERV)

Author Simon Sinek shared his personal theory of how companies think beyond the practical, rational benefits of the products and services they offer by focusing on why.  His Ted Talk on this topic has been viewed more than 60 million times.  He later detailed his theory in the book “Start with Why”.  The theory uses a symbol called the Golden Circle to illustrate the theory.  At the center of the circle is the Why.  The How and the What surround the why.  In other words, everything should emanate from Why. 

Like many of you, I’m reading the miracle story of Christmas this week. There’s so much richness in Luke and Matthew.  I don’t know about you but I’m so grateful that they both recorded their versions. I love experiencing all that happened through their eyes. For me, it just adds to the wonder of the season.  And honestly y’all, I have to be intentional about staying focused on the reason for the season. It’s so easy to get caught up and miss it. So, I’m in Luke this morning.  I just think Mary is awesome.  I mean to be a teenager and to have the composure to have this conversation with THE angel of the Lord.  I wonder if I would have even been able to have a coherent thought much less a conversation!

In this account, it’s the pattern that struck me as so beautiful. Right at the onset, the angel shares why he has come.  Mary is very special to the Lord. Before he gets into the what and the how of what the Lord has planned, the angel tells her why she has been chosen.  She is SPECIAL to him.  She was affirmed first. I’m a big fan of affirmations. Affirmations help to remind us who we are, who God is, and why we are important to Him.  Affirmations give us the strength and vision to believe that we can do or have what God has planned for us.  And trust that God has a plan for each of us.  Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Not only does God have a plan…he has our back when we stumble. I do love a good strategic plan!

It’s only AFTER the affirmation is given (and received) does Mary begin to answer questions that we all would have about what is about to happen and how it’s going to happen.  You have to read beyond verse 28 for all the details but she asks. And I believe that God wants and expects us to ask.  But you know what friend, God can’t get to the stuff we’re interested in until we accept what HE’s interested in.  What He’s interested in is us knowing that we are special to Him, that we have purpose with Him, and that He is with us. 

Let’s pray…

Lord God, how beautiful is your love for us.  How amazing it is that you look at us and you see special. You see marvelous when you look at me.  God, as we adore you during this season when we reflect on the greatest gift ever, help us to also receive your perception of us.  Remove any thoughts of unworthiness or shame. Any labels that the world has tried to put on us are ripped away. We receive that we have favor with you. Psalm 139:17 says, “Your thoughts are precious toward us. How vast are the sum of them.” We thank you, God, that you express your love for us in a multitude of ways.  Helps us God to do the same.