Monday Motivation: Why Mary?
Posted by Andrea“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)
Last winter, I took the girls to the library for some afternoon fun. While there, I met a friendly expectant mother and her preschool age daughter. As our children played with the puzzles and games in the children’s area, she and I chatted for a while, exchanging advice about potty training and naps. Soon, the topic of our conversation turned to pregnancy and we talked about the joy and excitement surrounding the birth of a second child. Though excited about her baby’s arrival, she expressed a large degree of nervousness about giving birth a second time.
Our conversation was just starting to get good, but our children did not feel the same. It lingered a tad too long for them and they began to get restless. This mother and I ended our conversation, but before parting ways I told her I would pray that her nervousness would end and that God’s peace would cover her as she progressed through her final month of pregnancy.
Nervousness during pregnancy is not uncommon. I imagine that Mary, an expectant mother of long ago, was also nervous at times. After all, she had been selected for a special job, one that many did not understand or approve. As she anticipated the birth of her son Jesus, I believe Mary was sometimes nervous about what was to come.
Many have wondered why God chose to bestow such a special honor upon Mary rather than another young woman. I believe the answer can be found in Mary’s own words. Consider Mary’s response to the angel who explained what was to come. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”
Through these words, Mary proved herself to be a receptive and obedient servant of God, one worthy of a special blessing. Mary did not run from her calling. She opened herself to God and allowed her own life plans to be overwritten by God’s divine plans. Mary did not resist the angel’s message. She was willing to be used by God and focused on the job He had given to her.
All of us can learn something important from Mary. It is only when we obey God that He clearly shows what He wants us to do. Our future and perhaps the futures of those we love may rest on the response we give to God when He calls us to do something. This Christmas, open your heart to God. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Embrace Him. See what He has for you to do and get busy!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for this special time of year! Thank you for providing us with Jesus, our wonderful Savior. We thank you for Mary, the obedient young woman who allowed herself to be used by You. Help us to adopt an attitude of openness and obedience so that we may complete the tasks you want us to complete. Forgive us Lord, for not recognizing the potential we have in You. Work within us and help us to develop the Godly characteristics we need to do your work. Amen.
Food For Thought:
- Do you think God has a special job for you to do? If so, what do you think the job is?
- What characteristics do you possess that make you a candidate for one of God’s special jobs?
- Are you open to the prospect of allowing God to use you in the way He sees fit? If not, what is preventing you from allowing God to use you His way?
Photo: Courtesy of gracevisuals (Flickr)
Tags: Christmas, Luke 1:38, Mary mother of Jesus, Why Mary
“Mary did not run from her calling. She opened herself to God and allowed her own life plans to be overwritten by God’s divine plans.” Well said! A timely word of encouragement, my friend. Have a blessed Christmas with your family. :~D
I’m happy you were encouraged! May your Christmas be happy and blessed e-Mom!
Wonderful post Andrea. OH to be obedient like Mary! That is my prayer!
Mine too Jules! Mine too! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Enjoy every moment!
Andrea, This is beautifully written. The world around us provides plenty of opportunities to enable us to run from our calling. Thank you for your sage words of wisdom.
Kathy, it’s so much easier to run than to stand! I’m praying I’ll be brave enough to accept the tasks He gives me