“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38, NIV
Have you ever tried to put yourself in Mary’s shoes just for that moment? Remember this happened during a time when the people only knew from teachings that God would someday send a savior. It was the hope that they all clung to for their redemption. Everyone was going about their daily duties, working the land, tending to animals, raising families, telling stories of old, and holding on to the traditions of the ancients. Some continued to live their lives with honor for the holiness of God, some didn’t. Others had no idea what was about to happen. There had been no prophet to tell them, no great signs, nor wonders from the Heavens. At least none were recorded. It had been 400 years! Generations of families had come and gone.
What would you have said?
Then all of the sudden an Angel appeared to Mary and gave her the news. Consider the way she must have felt. She was young and had not been with a man. About to be married to a man chosen for her by her family. She did not want to bring shame on her family. Or her promised husband! She was putting her life on the line. How easily she could’ve said, “Oh no! Not me. Find someone else! I am not willing.” What would you have said?
Mary didn’t ask why. However, she did ask how this would be possible since she was still a virgin. Upon hearing the messenger’s answer, she simply said, in today’s language, “okay.” Mary went with God’s plan for her life and, in turn, the lives of many others, including you and me. She believed what the Lord had said to her (Luke 1:45).
Willingness
Mary was willing to endure this unplanned pregnancy. She agreed to nurture and raise the child in the way God instructed. Mary saw things in Jesus as she raised him and kept it all in her heart. (Luke 2:51)
Because of her willingness, a way was made for God to come into our world to save us. Could God have done this some other way, or used someone else? Yes, he could have, He’s God. But this is the way He chose. Mary bowed in reverence to his plan.
“Mary bowed in reverence to his plan”
He has plans
God is not looking for someone to birth another child to save the world. But He is looking for hearts that are willing to share the gospel, be it in word or deed. Maybe he is asking you to “birth” a ministry or to help your neighbor. Perhaps He is asking you to share the good news of Jesus by sharing your testimony this holiday season. He has plans for us in the coming year, are we willing?
What if we believed and trusted like Mary? Would we take that step of faith and do the thing that God is calling us to? Not asking him all of the questions – why me? When? How? (In unbelief, doubting ourselves.) Just simply saying okay and walking in His glory. Asking How? As in show me what to do.
We don’t know whose life it will impact. Whose faith will be strengthened? Or who will come to know our savior because we said, “May it be to me as you have said” with complete trust.
