“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 was startled and scared at the sudden appearance of an angel.
She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably 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 at least some of her composure and her mind as she listened intently to the words carried by the messenger.
She could not comprehend it all and she asked clarifying questions.
The angel answered her honestly and gently reminded her to have faith.
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 wasn’t part of that plan.
Yet, when God interrupted her future, how did she respond?
“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.
No pride over being God’s chosen.
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. He not only changed her life, but our’s as well.
Reflections:
How have I responded when God has interrupted ‘my’ plans?
Have I ever felt alone in what God has called me to do? Hard to believe, but I’m really not the first or the only one ever in that place.
What lessons can I implement from Mary’s example?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and that even when facing the unknown and unplanned in my eyes, You already know and have already planned. Thank You for knowing the plans You have for me, and working them for my benefit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thanks for reading! Please return by Monday, January 4, 2016, for the next post. Happy New Year!