I want to live my life for an audience of One, and that’s Jesus. Though there are voices all around me tempting me to turn to the right or the left and to abandon my focus on Him, He is the only source of true fulfillment and happiness. One of my Biblical inspirations to this end is Mary. Culturally, we have glamorized the story of the nativity, but it’s actually very unorthodox. Far from being a grown woman, Jesus’ mom was about 14 years old when she received word that she would become pregnant and give birth to a Son. Worse yet, she was engaged to a really solid man named Joseph and she knew he might not want to be part of something so seemingly scandalous. Though she had a million questions and there were oodles of things she didn’t understand, she responded in faith and said “yes” to what had been asked of her. She lived her life for an audience of one because she knew the character of her God, and history was changed as a result.

Like Mary, I encourage you to live your life for an audience of One. Get to know Jesus so well that no matter where He leads, you willingly follow. Though His ways may not be yours, they are always worthy of confidence and trust. Since the Lord stands outside of time and knows the beginning from the end, He is uniquely suited to lead you down roads of uncertainty, even when they invite judgement and scrutiny from the watching world. Your loving Father will never steer you wrong, so place all your confidence in His character and follow His call in full assurance of faith!