“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV
The young Mary startled at the angel’s appearance. She hadn’t received notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary simply had no idea what to do!
But the angel set her at ease and Mary regained some of her composure as she listened intently to the words carried by this heavenly messenger.
She could not quite comprehend it and she asked clarifying questions.
The angel answered her honestly and gently reminded her to have faith.
Faith she had. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 NIV
Mary had had plans for her future: Marry her betrothed, settle down and have some children, Lord willing. A baby in the womb before the wedding? That wasn’t part of that plan.
Yes, God interrupted her plans. She wondered about these plans of His. Yet, she knew He knew best. She trusted Him. She had faith in Him. She also had faith in His word.
The angel promised her that God was with her. He would not leave her alone. Her saw her. He would journey with her.
She answered the angel with a faithful heart: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 NIV
No pity party.
No argument.
No instruction.
Just servant humility,
Humble servitude to God.
Mary handled her divine interruption with grace and humility. She set aside her plans and graciously allowed the Lord to work His will in her life and her heart. She trusted Him to care for her, grow her, and sustain her. He not only changed her life, but ours as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and that even when facing the unknown and unplanned in my eyes, You already know how You will utilize those plans. Thank You for knowing the plans You have for me, and working them for my benefit, and for other’s. May I learn to have a servant attitude, and enduring faith in You, when You change my plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen.