Gabriel's words to Mary, "You have found favor with God" tell us that she was a godly woman. Joseph had recognized the beauty of Mary's spirit and had asked her to be his wife. Their engagement was the first phase of their wedding. The consummation of the wedding vows would occur after everything was prepared for their new home and the final step of the vows were taken.
So when the angel Gabriel told Mary, “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus" she was stunned. She did not doubt the angel's words were from God, but she certainly was puzzled at how this could come to pass. She asks, "How can this be since I do not know a man?"
Gabriel responded, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:31-35).
The reputation of Mary was about to be destroyed (John 8:41). There may come a time in our lives when we are doing God's will, yet our reputations are ruined. People do not know or understand what has happened behind the scenes. God does not always work out in the open. Often his work is held in secret until the moment he chooses to reveal it.
Then we, with the rest of his Saints, will celebrate the wonder and majesty of all he has accomplished through our individual lives (Revelation 15:3-4).
