The Importance of Thanking God

          Needs & Wants  vs  Service & Responsibility

          Do you esteem achievement higher than obedience-- 
          When God’s plans are not your immediate plans?

So the Lord Himself will give you a special thing to see: A young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a son. She will give Him the name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14 (Msg)

Read:  Luke 1:26-55

I.  Mary’s character revealed
          v. 38  May it be as you have said-  Submission
          v. 46  My soul doth magnify the Lord-  Reverence
          v.47  My Spirit rejoices in God-  Praise

Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him.
With them he shares the secrets of his covenant.  Psalms 25:14 (NLT)

II.  God’s character revealed
          v.49  He that is mighty & Holy-  Holiness
          v.52  Brought low the mighty-  Power
          v.54  Our very present help-  Mercy

Jesus says yes to all of God's many promises. It is through Jesus 
that we say, "Let it be so," when we give thanks to God. 2 Cor. 1:20   (NLT)

Mary’s knowledge of how God had fulfilled His promises  enabled her to thank Him for what He was going to do. Even though she didn’t understand it; nor was it in her plans, she sang a song of thanks.