Day 2: Luke 1:26-38

I can’t imagine the mix of emotions Mary felt when Gabriel appeared to her and told her what was about to happen. She recognized that this was the fulfillment of prophecy; this is what her nation had been praying for for hundreds of years. And God had chosen her! What joy must have initially surged through her spirit! The Messiah, the Chosen One of Israel, was to be her son. 

But then her thoughts must have turned toward Joseph. A thousand questions surely flooded her mind. How was this going to affect him? How was this going to affect their engagement? Would he believe this incredible story that an angel appeared to her and told her that God himself was going to give her a child even though she was still a virgin? Joseph could divorce her; he could even have her tried and stoned for being unfaithful. Even if he believed her, what would everyone else think? She would be an outcast. 

What would the child be like? The angel said that he would be born holy. What does that even mean? The doubts began to roll in. There’s no way that I am good enough to be the mother of the Messiah! What if I mess up? What if I can’t protect him? What if I don’t raise him the right way and it messes up the whole plan of God? What if I can’t provide for him? Surely there must be someone else that is better suited to this task.

Regardless of what was racing through her mind during those first few moments, her response is epic! “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What an amazing statement of faith! Even though I’m sure some or all of those questions and more were rolling around in her head, she simply submitted herself to the plan of God. No more questions asked. In that simple response she tells God, “I believe that what you have told me is true. I believe that you will work out the details. I believe that you will take care of me. I believe that you will provide for your child. And I will do whatever it is that you ask of me to accomplish your will.”

The faith of Mary is often overlooked in the story of Jesus. Years later, as Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, I believe his thoughts turned to his mother as he prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done.” Yes he was God in human form, but he had seen this kind of faith in action his whole earthly life. His mother had essentially prayed the same faith-filled prayer 33 years before.

What kind of faith are you modeling to those who are watching you? Your faith affects those around you. Your faith will determine God’s blessing on your life. Don’t let your doubts keep you from God’s will. Don’t let your questions get in the way of what God wants to do in your life. Let us all respond with the same faith as this young woman, “May everything you have said about me come true.”