Read: Luke 1: 26-38
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:30 ESV)
Mary was a poor girl from a poor family in a poor part of the world. Nazareth was a small village with only one fresh water well, a place with little in the way of sophisticated education or comfort. It is there that the angel Gabriel appeared to again announce the birth of a prophesied child. Mary, a young woman (she was probably a teenager) from an unremarkable place and family, found favor in the eyes of God.
Mary found favor with God in that she was chosen by God for God's plan to fulfill God's purposes. She was the one who would bring Jesus into the world. She was the one responsible for caring for, nurturing, teaching and loving the Messiah in his infancy and young life. She would also have to watch in horror as he was murdered by the Jews.
Sometimes favor means having things go your way. In Mary's case finding favor meant that she was launched into a life orchestrated by God in a way that brought salvation to all of mankind, including Mary herself. Mary's life might have seemed incredibly unfair had she let herself dwell on the selfish details many of us would consider important. Instead, she allowed her life to be caught up into a bigger purpose, a grander plan, and a Godly favor. Remember Mary's incredible example of faith and favor the next time you seek the favor of The Lord.