Advent DevotionalSample

The Story of Mary

Mary, a teenage girl was engaged to a man, the state of her future laid wide open with opportunities. Tucked away in a little village where one visit, one moment changed everything. And not just for her, but for all of humanity.

In an instant, she would forever be known as Mary, the mother of Jesus. The emotions of this unforeseen visit drive the angel to say an all too familiar message from our Father: “Do not be afraid…”.

Imagine Mary, hearing what she’s about to do and understanding the weight of it, process those words: “do not be afraid.” Her heart was probably pounding and thoughts racing of all the ways she’s unqualified. But God surrounded her with people and opportunities to make His promise come true.

So, Mary, trusting God and His plan, answers Him by saying, “Let it be according to your word.” In other words, “God, I don’t know what this all means, but I trust You. Your will be done.” Her destiny now made clear, she would bear the Savior that would cover the sins of the whole world.

What God has put in front of you, and maybe said “do not be afraid” about, doesn’t compare to the birth of Jesus! But it can feel just as scary and daunting; your heart and mind can race with questions while you doubt your qualifications. If God has chosen you, then take heart. Just as He did with Mary, He will surround you with people and opportunities to see His promise through.

Reflect

How have you disqualified yourself from something because you thought yourself unworthy or unqualified? What do you think would happen if you responded like Mary, saying, “Let it be according to Your Word.”

Pray

Father, in any area of my life that I am not “all in,” and holding back in reservation out of fear of the unknown, I surrender it to You today. I trust that You haven’t changed and may Your story be alive in me! May my life be in full surrender, “according to Your Word.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.