“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
When was the last time something so profound happened, that you had to take time and give conscious thought in order to get it settled in your mind? Although it was a long time ago, giving birth to my two daughters presented “such a time as this” for me. Even though I had nine months to prepare for each of these events, when the time finally arrived and I held them in my arms for the first time, I contemplated many thoughts concerning them, such as, Am I going to be a good mother? Will I be able to keep them safe and protect them from all harm? What if they get sick? I now have a human life depending upon me to keep them alive. All of these thoughts as a very young mother were daunting!
Now, consider Mary, probably a young teen being visited by angels and told, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33) At the time, while Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph, they were not yet married and the stigma attached to such an occurrence could very likely cost Mary her life by stoning according to the law. So, for her to hear, “Do not be afraid,” most definitely was cause for pause!
Do you find yourself at this time, at a crossroad marked familiarity versus where God is calling you, perhaps into a new place of discomfort requiring faith in His provision?
After Mary presented her case filled with “how” and “but,” the angel reminded her, “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) To which Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) As I typed this reply from Mary, my computer auto-correct suggested putting a question mark, but there was no question in Mary’s heart or mind to be willing to accept God’s Plan. What about you? Do you really believe that “nothing is impossible with God?”
Lord, you have called me to be a person of faith. It is easy when the cost is small. Faith cost Jesus his earthly life, yet changed eternity for me. Help me be willing to say, like Jesus, “not my will but yours be done.” Let my faith be a living faith! AMEN
To The One Who Personified faith . . . Jesus!