Luke 1:38

New International Version (NIV)

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

For Meditation

She was a young woman, pledged to marry Joseph. Nothing outstanding in her life apart from the joyful expectation of the wedding ceremony. The dawn of each day brought heightened expectation and excitement. But everything changed for her one day.

God had an assignment for her from eternity. She was the special vessel God had prepared to bring His Son into the world. Her womb was ready for this holy assignment, but she didn’t know.

Isn’t that how it is for all of us? Who knows what God has prepared for them for tomorrow? As James says, “you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:13-15).

Carrying a baby without knowing a man was unheard of anywhere then, so how was God going to do it?

“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk. 1:35).

Joseph was not a problem. God would deal with him; and He did it in a way only He can (Matt. 1:20). “So, what’s your response, Mary?”

God waits for our response to His call all the time. In many ways, He calls us to service, away from some things, and sends us into some discomforting situations. How do we respond in those circumstances? What is our posture when God comes to us the way He did to Mary – unprepared?

Moses debated and bargained with God on the backside of Mt. Horeb (Ex. 3:1-4:1-17). The prophet Jonah ran away and had to be restrained by a fish and carried to God’s destination for his assignment (Jonah 1:1-3 17; 2:10). The old Priest Zechariah struggled with Gabriel’s announcement of his old wife’s conception (Luke 1:18). Ananias couldn’t believe God would call him to minister to Saul of Tarsus, the Church’s public enemy number one (Acts 9:13-14). If, then, you’re struggling with God’s assignment now, take heart. But, there is better response in Mary.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

That’s the attitude God always commends before Him – prepared, available, trusting, and obedient. We are His servants. He calls the shots, and we do His bidding with thankful hearts. He accomplishes His purposes through us, and He receives the glory. The good thing is, we reap His blessing on this side of eternity, and much treasure in store for us in heaven.

So, may Mary’s example settle your heart before God as He leads you. He is faithful and will never abandon you midstream. You only hurt yourself by continuing in your resistance.

Receive His grace for absolute surrender, and may His joy strengthen you along the way in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Shalom