Luke 1:1–38 (ESV)
Pastor Scott Berglin
God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours
“Finding Impossible Favor” | January 4, 2026
As we continue in God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours, Pastor Scott led us through Luke 1:1–38 to show that God’s favor often appears in places that feel confusing, delayed, or humanly impossible. From Zechariah and Elizabeth to Mary, Luke reveals that God’s work is not first understood—it is experienced. The announcement of Jesus’ birth reminds us that divine favor is never earned, always initiated by God, and discovered through belief and obedience. When God speaks, impossibility becomes an invitation to trust.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37
Main Points
1 Impossible Is Never Understood — It’s Experienced
v. 1–4, 7, 18, 24, 36
Luke shows us that God’s greatest works rarely make sense at first. Barrenness, disbelief, silence, and surprise all mark the path of God’s plan. Faith does not begin with full understanding—it begins with encountering God at work.
2 Favor Is Always a Judgment Decision — Never Earned
v. 18 (Zechariah), v. 25 (Elizabeth), v. 34 & 38 (Mary)
God’s favor is not a reward for performance but a sovereign act of grace. Zechariah questioned, Elizabeth rejoiced, and Mary surrendered—yet all were recipients of God’s choosing. Favor flows from who God is, not what we do.
3 Finding Is Based in Belief & Obedience to His Will
v. 24, 28, 30 → so… v. 17
Those who experienced God’s favor responded with trust and obedience. Belief opens the heart; obedience aligns the will. God’s purposes advance through those willing to say, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Key Takeaways
- God’s impossible work is experienced before it is understood.
- Divine favor is given, not earned.
- Faith is revealed through belief and obedience.
- God often works through unlikely people in unlikely ways.
- Impossible moments become holy invitations to trust God’s will.
Reflection Questions
- Where in your life does God’s plan feel impossible right now?
- How do you typically respond when God’s direction doesn’t make sense?
- What does this passage teach you about the nature of God’s favor?
- Are there areas where belief is present, but obedience is hesitant?
- What step of trust might God be asking you to take this week?
Call to Action
This week, choose trust over explanation.
Identify one situation where you are waiting for clarity and instead respond with belief and obedience. Pray Luke 1:37 daily—“Nothing will be impossible with God.”—and watch how God’s favor meets you in unexpected ways.
