And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Luke 1:38

As I sit today on Christmas Eve reflecting on the impact Jesus’ birth had on the world, my mind goes to both Mary and Joseph. The trust they showed in God led them to carry out His perfect vision for their lives and the world.

Trusting in the Lord, will ensure that the New Year of 2020 can be your year of perfect vision!

What decisions are in front of you in the upcoming year? Are you contemplating a career change or re-direct? Do you have a desire to do more in the area of self-care to have more energy in your leadership both at home and work? Do you have a desire to up your spiritual well-being by taking more of a leadership role in your church or family? Is God calling you somewhere you had no intention of going?

As you contemplate these decisions, you can learn a lot from both Mary and Joseph as you step into the work of building your perfect vision for 2020.

Mary knew she was a virgin, yet she was pregnant. How confusing would that be! God spoke to Mary through an angel, informing her that she had conceived through the Holy Spirit and was carrying the Savior of the World. Mary’s response – “Let it be to me according to your word, as I am a servant of the Lord”.

Joseph knew that he had not been with Mary, yet she was pregnant. As a law-abiding and honorable man, he was going to divorce her quietly to protect her. After listening to God through an angel, he found out the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit and so he went ahead and married her.

Three lessons to glean from both Mary and Joseph as it pertains to building your vision for 2020:

  • Surrender to the Lord’s will.
  • Listen to what God is speaking to you.
  • Act on what you are hearing.

As you build your perfect vision for 2020 be open to what God is putting on your heart. You may not hear as clearly from an angel as Mary and Joseph did, but if you spend time meditating on God’s word and praying for guidance, He will speak to you.

Then Act! Be obedient to God’s calling on your life and build your vision around it in 2020. I am confident God will bless your endeavors.

I wish you a blessed Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior, and a tremendous year of 2020 as you carry out God’s perfect vision for your life!!

Mark Deterding

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24