Free to Rise: Women in God's StorySample

THE NONCONFORMIST

I can only imagine what it was like to be in Mary's shoes when Angel Gabriel told her that she would have a child - and that He would be the Savior of our world. As I imagine what it was like enduring the confusion, fear, questions, worry, and shock, I admire and aspire to respond like Mary to God's call on my own life, "I am the Lord's servant," knowing that God's Spirit and power rest on me (Luke 1:26-38).

Like Mary's story, many women in today's society and culture are expected to respond to our passions and purpose with a worldy lens, but God calls us to respond to such delicate assignments with obedience to His voice and His way. He created us with such passions and desires for His Kingdom purposes. Responding to God's voice may take us through uncharted paths, but as there was a fourth person seen in the fiery furnace along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18), so will He be with us. 

Often fear tries to creep in as a subtle yet overpowering voice, as I am sure fear tried to do with Mary. But we, as God's chosen daughters, have a choice just as Mary did: to continuously choose to hear, trust and obey our Father's voice. Although we may not have the entire plan mapped out, or feel that we are qualified, we can rely on God’s word that He is with us (Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 4:4). 

We should not focus on ourselves, or operate in self-reliance, aiming to master challenges with our finite minds. Instead we should allow God's Spirit to embody, encourage, and empower us in His truth. 

We are to be encouraged by the beautiful witness of Mary's story as a daughter, wife, mother, and nonconformist. Mary's choice to trust our Father with her story and life's course led to you and me having eternal life. When we ponder Mary's story of surrender, our spirit should be quickened to identify and respond (whatever response looks like for this season) to God's strategic plan - not only for our life but ultimately for the Kingdom. Mary's obedience changed her family, her community, eventually her nation, and now the entire globe. 

So, dear sisters, set the tone for powerful breakthroughs with your willingness to go against the grain of culture -- with God always before you!

By Sadara Shine, Program Information Officer at Tearfund USA