“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
As I reflect on Mary’s triumphant and confident response to the angel, I often ask myself, “but why?” Why did Mary respond seemingly without hesitation? Many of us have heard the facts that Mary was about 14 or 15 years old at the time she gave birth. We know that during that time period being an unwed mother carried grave consequences.
It could be true that Mary had the faith of a child and being younger she just trusted openly. But in a culture where 15 years of age is old enough to be married, I have to wonder if we can truly classify Mary as a child given her upbringing. So, if it’s not the childlike faith, then why?
The only answer that truly makes sense to me is that she had a relationship with God. I can only imagine that Mary spent time with the Lord in worship, prayer, studied His Word, and walked closely with Him. How else would she be able to trust Him at a time when she could lose everything by becoming pregnant before marriage?
As humans, we don’t trust what we don’t know. Could it be that so many of us struggle with trusting God because we don’t know Him? How many of us have held onto a job a little too long because we did not see how God would make a way? Or stayed connected to people that would have no positive impact on our destiny because we feared loneliness? Or how many of us have refused to utilize the gifts that God has deposited in us because we care what others will think?
Perhaps we should embrace our inner Mary. Let’s not mystify the fact that she had faith and think that Mary’s faith is so unattainable that we could never experience her same confidence in doing what the Lord directed. Instead, let’s spend time getting to know the Lord through His word, prayer, and worship, so when He commands us to move, we respond, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.,” just like Mary.
Reflection
In what ways do you think God wants you to spend more time with Him? What can you do to get to know Him better? What is stopping you from going deeper with Him?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to have a relationship with You. Forgive me of the times that I missed out on what You had for me because I did not know You. Show me what I need to do so that I can grow in You and be afraid of neither what You have for me nor what You would have me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo Credit: Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
Comments