Sunday, February 15, 2009

No More Ragdolls

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27).

The angel told her that she was to bear a son. When we consider the circumstances, we realize that to accept this call was a profound act of faith and testimony on Mary's part. She had not known a man before this. When the spirit was to cause her to be pregnant, no one else experienced the visitation that she did, and no one else had the proof from God that this pregnancy was divine, and not a result of immorality. She consciously accepted the impending shame and doubt from her friends, family, and Joseph. But, instead of backing away, or asking the Lord to find a different way, "Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

Mary is a hero of mine. Despite the fact that she's estimated to be only 11-13 years of age when this happens, she takes the challenge of the Lord and does it with a bold heart. No wonder the angel Gabriel calls her "highly favoured," and "blessed...among women." She, and her son, Jesus Christ, are the ultimate examples of aligning your will with God's will. To us, who rely on logic and whatever we can conclude based on our current, limited perspective, believing that God's ways are the right ways is often a big leap of faith. God's way sometimes seems like downright nonsense. But we must remember that He is our Father. He knows best. And we will be blessed, and "highly favoured" if we follow him with an unfailing heart and steadfast faith.

No comments:

Post a Comment