Sarah laughed. Gideon wanted proof. Zechariah doubted. But, Mary believed. When God’s messenger revealed heaven’s promise to a girl barely beyond childhood, she responded with words of faith borne from a heart of submission.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
I marvel at Mary’s response. She didn’t beg for an explanation, more information, or confirmation. Instead, she chose submission. And, as a result, Mary birthed more than an ordinary baby. She held the gift of salvation in her arms.
[bbctt tweet="Mary birthed more than an ordinary baby.She held the gift of salvation in her arms.#wrappedinswaddlingclothes#Godsteppedoutofheaven"]
While I admire Mary, I tend to lack her courage, faith, and unswerving confidence in God’s perfect plan. I’m more like Sarah, sometimes dismissing the promises He has for me. More like Gideon, constantly asking for just one more reason to trust His plan. More like Zechariah, surrounded by God’s presence but lacking true understanding.
Do you relate, Friend? Perhaps you, too, long to be more like Mary—certain God will fulfill His work in your life.
Oh, He will! But, the process of becoming is simpler when we recognize both our position and His. While Sarah failed to believe in the possibility of a miraculous birth, Mary anticipated it. Although Gideon feared men more than the Maker of men, Mary proclaimed His power. Even though an elderly priest questioned God’s promise, Mary sang of what would be done as if it were already accomplished. (Luke 1:49)
I don’t know your circumstances, but what is God asking from you right now? Does He want you to trust Him with your health? Your finances? A wayward child? Is He asking you to believe that He has your best in mind?
Mary sang of what would be done as if it were already accomplished.
No matter your situation, the one who sent Peace to earth longs for you to know that He will fulfill His word to you—just as He did for Mary.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
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I’m always amazed at the faith, trust and yielded ness to God’s will that Mary had at such a young age.
I love reading and learning about Mary. I want her faith, trust, and submissive attitude but always seem to come up short. Thank you for sharing this post with Grace & Truth. You have pointed me where I need to go. Blessings, Maree
I am in awe of Mary. Visiting from #PurposefulFaith.
Yes, my heart longs to have that joyful submission that Mary showed. These words here brought tears to my eyes:
“Oh, He will! But, the process of becoming is simpler when we recognize both our position and His. While Sarah failed to believe in the possibility of a miraculous birth, Mary anticipated it. Although Gideon feared men more than the Maker of men, Mary proclaimed His power. Even though an elderly priest questioned God’s promise, Mary sang of what would be done as if it were already accomplished”
Anticipating, proclaiming, and singing. May I allow the Lord to shape my heart, trusting Him all along the way. Blessings to you!
Blessing to you, too, Bettie! Aren’t we all that process of becoming? We’ll get there someday by His grace and through His strength.
Thank you for this encouragement, Tammy! God is calling me to believe Him, to trust Him, and to praise Him while I wait.
Praying He provides an answer soon, Carlie. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Tammy. I’ve always loved this passage about Mary in Luke. I think belief and believing are a growing process. And we ask the Lord to help our unbelief or to make our belief in Him stronger and deeper.
So while “Sarah laughed. Gideon wanted proof. Zechariah doubted.” I want to remember Mary’s example…she believed!
It’s a beautiful passage. I’m always amazed that a young girl had such faith! Blessings, Tammy
I love her response, I have said the same thing but also been the others too.that doesn’t work.
Tammy – I choose to feature your post tomorrow on Grace & Truth Christian LInk-Up. Love your post.
Thanks so much! I hope it encourages your readers! Peace and grace, Tammy
There is so much that I need to be trusting God with, don’t most of us? While I feel I trust Him well, I am certain my faith can grow. Oh how I desire to be a woman like Mary. I even wrote about being like Mary just a few weeks ago. To have more courage. To pray with such power and praise. This post encourages me even more to be setting my heart on being more like Mary.
Hi April. I need more courage, too! Praying God gives you the good gifts He has promised to those who seek Him. Blessings, Tammy
I’ve never thought of Mary’s song this way before–thank you for this perspective! I need to sing victory songs and songs of arrival instead of woe-is-me songs.
Hi Anita. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! It’s amazing that a teenaged girl who lived 2,000 years ago can encourage my heart.