Tomorrow, the US celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday. Though history classes told us the first Thanksgiving was a joyful feast between the American Colonists and the Native Americans they were dispossessing; most of us know that was not the case. Now, we observe a time of gratitude to God, enjoy time with our families, and gratefully count our blessings. I'm wondering...Are you fulfilled in life? FULFILLED means you are satisfied and happy because you're fully developing your abilities or character. When a task is fulfilled, it has been brought to completion. Something that was desired, promised, or predicted has been carried out and realized as pledged, or expected. We become unfulfilled: when we stop growing or maturing; when something we've started or desired has stalled and we've not finished; when we're not where we desire to be relationally; or when we're impatiently waiting for God's promise.

The virgin Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. He tells her she will birth the long-awaited Messiah. She humbly replies, “I am the Lord’s servant, May your word to me be fulfilled..." (Luke 1:38) God was making good on His Word to Israel— bringing prophecy into reality. Mary was willing to believe, and to put her body, her reputation, her marriage, and her life on the line to be the one through whom that promise would be fulfilled. Are you willing to do the same? When Mary goes to tell the news to her elderly cousin Elizabeth, also with child by a miraculous visitation, her cousin gives this affirmation and confirmation, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45) Elizabeth's baby leapt in her womb and she was filled with Holy Spirit. God made these ladies a promise. They had to believe, live, and walk it out to experience its fulfillment. During this season, I encourage you to go back and look at what God has said. Whatever God has spoken will be fulfilled.