Mary had the kind of faith I envy
Do you have a hard time trusting God when He leads you in a new direction? Has it become harder to believe God has a plan for your life?
When the angel Gabriel told Mary that God had chosen her, a virgin, to give birth to the Messiah (see Luke 1:26-38), Mary could have offered legitimate reasons why this didn’t fit into her plans. She could have explained to Gabriel that becoming pregnant might make Joseph call off their wedding. Or she could have said no because she didn’t want to endure what others would say about her out-of-wedlock pregnancy.
Yet, despite all this, Mary (possibly only 12-16 years old) responded to Gabriel’s news by saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 ESV).
I envy Mary’s mature faith, don’t you? Don’t you admire her confidence in God, even when circumstances seemed implausible? The way she was able to recognize her Lord’s right to direct her life in the direction He had chosen for her? Wouldn’t you love to have a yielded spirit like Mary’s?
Most of all, don’t you envy Mary’s absolute trust in her Father’s love for her – which is why she was able to say yes to God when He revealed His extraordinary will for her?
I wonder, if the circumstances surrounding God’s will for us seemed extraordinary and implausible, would we respond with the same faith. I fear many of us would more likely present our case as to why we couldn’t – or wouldn’t – comply.
Just as it did for Mary in the Christmas story, God’s direction for us may involve being rejected by the ones closest to us, misjudged by our neighbors or (as happened later for Mary as a young mother) having to start a different life in an unfamiliar area.
But what would happen if we trusted God? If we believed He could do whatever necessary to pave the way for His will to be done in our lives? Even if it seemed impossible. Even if it cost us everything.
Think what Mary would have missed out on had she said no to God’s plan.
When we choose a different path than the one God has chosen for us, it could turn out badly – perhaps disastrous – for us (and maybe for others who would be affected by our decision).
Not to mention the unbelievably extraordinary adventures we’d miss out on.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- When you read Luke 1 in the Bible, what can you learn from Mary’s response to God’s new direction for her life?
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I want to say yes to God’s perfect plan for my life even though it may cause me humiliation and danger. God is able to keep me safe and walk me through His way. I pray I do God’s will and not my own will.
I’ve loved your heart for God for a while now, Barbara. I will continue to pray for you as you seek His direction in your life. (And thank you for sharing my post on Facebook.)
“But what would happen if we trusted God? If we believed He could do whatever necessary to pave the way for His will to be done in our lives? Even if it seemed impossible. Even if it cost us everything.“
That is the key Sheryl! We can trust God because his word is true. But we are weak in our faith at times. As God brings us through smaller trials we are able to trust him in bigger trials if we keep our focus on him and not our circumstances. Peter walked on the water when he looked at Jesus but when he turned to look at the storm he started to sink. But then he cried out to Jesus and Jesus caught him.
Hello, Janie. It’s nice to have you back again.
I agree. When we trust Him with the smaller trials, our faith will be strengthened for the larger ones.
It would be great if we would just remember that, wouldn’t it? 😉
This is so true, Sheryl. I’m praying for my wonderful soldier grandson. He is unhappy that he has received orders to be deployed in his last year of commitment to service. I am asking God to help him submit to Divine plans forhis life, whatever they may be. I am so grateful for your faith and leadership mentoring, Sheryl! God is using you
Hello, Sharri. Please tell your grandson how much I appreciate his service and that I will pray for him. Tell him how much I admire him.
I admire you, too, Sharri. Your courage and faith are enviable! (And thank you for the compliment and for stopping by Today Can Be Different.)
Thank you for the insightful article. Yes, Mary’s devotion to the Lord is inspiring. She simply trusted and obeyed. I also marvel at how she didn’t complain that her son, whose kingdom would have no end, wasn’t born in a palace. Mary’s delivery was not pampered with servants, a comfortable bedroom, or a midwife. Even though the birth of her son, who she knew was given by God, lacked all the amenities we would expect when a king is born, she never got bitter, but she chose to trust and obey. What an inspiration for me to trust and obey the Lord, too.
Wow! How true. Mary’s trust in her heavenly Father was so exemplary in ways we’ve likely never thought of.
Thank you for stopping by. I always love it when you do.
THANK YOU SHERYL i SO NEEDED THAT THIS MORNING
Praise God! I always love it (and am humbled) when God uses my writing, Melanie. Thank you for letting me know.
AND thank you for stopping by Today Can Be Different!