Mary’s journey, marked by divine intervention and profound responsibility, offers timeless lessons for those navigating life’s uncertainties. For Mary, the child was special, very special, like change-the-world special. The announcement was special, too, as an angel gave it. The birth was special. No midwife to attend her, and she was not in her hometown near her mom. And the child’s growing-up years would be filled with knowing her child, Jesus, had a purpose much greater than the other children. Her life was going to be different than those around her. Let’s start with the angel’s announcement and Mary’s response, taken from portions of Luke 1:26-38 ESV
Prefer to listen? I’ve included the audio verson Mary’s Divine Journey: Lessons from Her Story below.
The angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! ”But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Mary is Greatly troubled
The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary deeply troubled her. Other translations say she was confused and disturbed. The angel responded, “Do not be afraid,” and then gave her more instructions. She then asks her most pressing question: “How will this be?” The angel provides additional details and ends with, “Nothing is impossible with the Lord.” Her response, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Do Not Be Afraid
Mary’s circumstances were anything but normal. Similarly, our own situation may not be typical either, but here we are. How have we reacted to this? More importantly, what is our current response? Let’s focus on today. Like Mary, we too can feel confused and unsettled. We might be grappling with where we find ourselves, the responsibilities we’ve been given, and the relationships we engage in each day. You may find yourself thinking, “This is not how I envisioned my life would turn out.” In response, the angel says, “Do not be afraid.”
Do you hear that? Do not be afraid, even if your circumstances are not normal. Even if you find yourself caring for those you never expected to care for.
Reader, what is your main question? Mary asked her main question, so can we. Be bold enough to ask God. You may have asked it a hundred times already, but don’t give up. Ask again. The angel’s response was for Mary, but I believe it speaks to our hearts as well. For nothing is impossible with God.
Nothing is Impossible with God
Nothing is impossible with God. Your role may not be what you wanted, but the message remains the same: do not be afraid, for nothing is impossible with God. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. There is scripture (Isaiah 43), and even a song confirming that. What we need to remember is our part. As followers of Jesus, we are servants of the Almighty God, and our lives will look different because we are following His plan, not the world’s plan. Accept today and do your best today.
Do not be afraid of tomorrow. In fact, hope for tomorrow. For nothing is impossible with God. Let’s pray.
Dear Jesus, like Mary, we can be confused by Your plan. We have questions. God, I ask that you answer my readers’ questions. Reaffirm Your plan for their life. Remove fear and doubt from their hearts and minds. For nothing is impossible with You, God. I pray for the gift of peace for my readers today. I pray that they will be able to set aside their fears and accept Your gift of peace. We thank You for this in Jesus’ most Holy Name. Amen.
I wrote that a couple of weeks ago, and I can honestly say it’s been hard. It’s been hard in my house. I am confused. And I am disturbed too. But I have to remind myself what I’ve shared with you. Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing. So, whatever you face, remember that.
You can ask questions of God. Try and get down to the main question. What is this question you would like to ask God? Then ask it.
May this Christmas story serve as a powerful reminder that even when faced with daunting challenges, we can find peace and purpose by trusting in God’s higher plan.
Thanks Kim. Well written. You show a great attitude here, one of both submission and strength, and one which mirrors that of Mary, and you teach it effectively, as one who lives it. I’ve done some research into Mary’s life. There is not much to draw from in that there is very little of her written history, but I have discovered much between the lines and behind the scenes as I am sure you have also. She is a great example, probably the best next to the Lord, of accepting God’s life-changing plan with a pure and good heart. There was no need of a course correction since she was both young and obedient to God to that point. Yet it would be, as you stated, anything but normal from that time forward, though very, very blessed.
Indeed, nothing is impossible with God. This story is a powerful reminder of this fact. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.