ACCEPTING GOD RIGHT AWAY
Sarah Sloan
Today's Scripture: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38, ESV
Theme – Faith in God turns what seems impossible into a blessing in your life and the lives of others.
MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
As a young girl reading the Bible, I never really wondered what was special about the main male heroes of the faith like Moses, David, or Paul. But when it came to the females in the Bible--and particularly Mary, the mother of Jesus—there was always some level of mystery and awe. What was so special about Mary? Why did God choose her? Was she quiet and gentle and entirely different from me and all the women I knew? Did she have the same fears, doubts, and failings? Could greatness like hers ever be attained?
MARY’S RESPONSE
After years of study, I believe that what truly set Mary apart was her response to God’s calling and her belief that God could do the impossible. Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel gives us a glimpse into her character. When she was told of the impossible and that her entire life and world would completely change “…Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word’” (Luke? ?1?:?38?a, ESV??).
Many of us have had our whole lives to wrestle with the concept of a virgin birth, with the idea of God putting on human flesh, walking among us and becoming the sacrifice that takes away the sins of the world. Yet those are the very concepts that some of us just can’t seem to accept. Mary, however, was able to accept this news, His presence, His control, and His Son inside of her womb—all within the time span of just one conversation. She demonstrates perfectly the dividing line between head knowledge and true faith in the God who can do the impossible.
Mary not only accepted what God said with faith, but she also gave God the right to rule and reign in her life. When Mary said she was “God’s servant,” she gave Him control and let go of her will. This is generally the second largest hurdle many of us must overcome in our faith journey. Sometimes it’s easy to believe in God and what has been said about Jesus, but we aren’t ready or can’t imagine subjecting ourselves to living a life of obedience to the will and authority of Christ.
Mary doesn’t hesitate on either count. She accepts the impossible by faith, she submits her will to God with a humble servant’s heart, and she praises God even before the fulfillment of the promise. It is before Jesus’ birth that Mary sings a song exulting God as her Savior who is mighty, holy, and good.
Make It Personal: Will you be like Mary this Christmas? When you meet the heavenly hosts, will your faith cause them to say, ”…Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke? ?1?:?28,? ?ESV).?? All it takes is a willing and humble heart to accept by faith that God can, will, and has done the impossible. That He wants to do a good work in your life as well. Will you hand over to Him control of your life and trust that He can do immeasurably more than we can ask, think, or imagine? Will your life be filled with songs of joy over the power of God at work in and through you?
Pray: God, I want to be like Mary. I want to take You at Your Word and believe that You can make the unimaginable happen. I know in my head the impossible is commonplace for You. Give me faith to believe, even when I cannot see. Help me to trust so fully in You and Your goodness that surrendering my plans, goals, and desires to You becomes easy and a joy for me. I want to please You with my life. Give me a willing servant’s heart so that I might sing Your praises all the days of my life. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Luke1:38-55, Hebrews 11:1 and 6, and 2 Corinthians 4:18
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV