“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45
How might Mary, Mother of Jesus, be described?
A young girl.
A highly favored girl.
A girl who desired to do God’s will.
As we journey through the book of Luke, we witness Mary making very mature decisions and exhibiting a godly mindset as she learns her world is about to be turned upside-down. She may have only been thirteen, but she clearly knew God in a very personal faith.
When Jesus was born, despite her humble surroundings and heartache of family turning their backs, Mary praised God with a beautiful song found in Luke 1:47- 55.
“and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary knew who God was.
Mary knew who she was.
And she was yielding her heart, her marriage, her future, her everything, to her God.
Mary willingly surrendered her comparatively simple life for a life, which many would consider, that screamed scandal.
She lived the rest of her days with many negative stigmas attached to her reputation. Not only was she pregnant at her wedding, but this child would also one day suffer a criminal’s death.
No mother can bear the anguish of watching her child die, let alone die as a criminal. Die by the will of the people, yet be innocent of the charge.
No, Mary’s life probably looked nothing like she’d ever imagined. She probably never contemplated giving birth to her Savior. She didn’t daydream about watching her God come down from heaven to author the Greatest Love Story ever. Yet, she accepted the plot twists with unimaginable grace and unfathomable peace.
When you follow God, doesn’t He always supersede expectations? The blessings are often greater than anything a mere human could ever author.
Although we might feel life fails to meet our expectations at times, God never does. Like Mary, we can learn His grace is indeed sufficient. As we contemplate Christmastime, may we each allow God to direct our individual lives no matter where He is taking us.
What would it take for you and me to answer as Mary did in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.”?
She was called into something she hadn’t authored. Would she be able to fulfill the role? Did she have what it took?
She knew God had called her.
He would provide whatever she needed.
Maybe like me, you marvel at Mary’s faith. Amazingly, we actually have access to that type of faith, too. Jesus promised to meet all our needs. (Philippians 4:19) Even needs like developing faith and resting in His peace. Let’s ask for His help with just that!
Prayer: My gracious Father, may You strengthen my faith, always providing what I need. May I always realize Your promise, that Your grace is sufficient indeed! May I lean on You and when I feel my faith faltering, may I cling to You. Please help my disbelief, please grow my faith. Although all events in this life may not make sense today, please help me to simply “treasure these things up in my heart,” and sincerely put my hope and trust in You.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.