Behold the Maidservant of the Lord
Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her. ~ Luke 1:38
It is now five days until Christmas, so I am going to shift my posts for the next five days to focus on the birth and coming of our Lord into this world.
Even though the message of the Messiah coming started hundreds of years before His actual birth, I am going to start this “birth of Jesus” series with Mary and her life of faith and obedience. Growing up in a Jewish home, Mary was well-trained in Scripture and prepared for the arranged marriage she would one day enter. She exemplified submission, humility, and selflessness, and she was equipped for every good work God called her to.
What stands out most to me about Mary, is her remarkable faith. When the angel Gabriel delivered God’s message, she didn’t argue, make excuses, or resist. Instead, her response was one of total surrender: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She recognized that this was God’s plan for her life, believed in her divine purpose, and accepted the call immediately.
Mary didn’t hesitate or overthink the challenges she might face. She didn’t worry about the potential inconvenience, the societal judgment, or even the possibility of Joseph’s rejection. She trusted God to handle every detail and to equip her for the journey ahead. The essence of true faith is believing in God’s promises and walking in obedience, even when the path is uncertain. That is exactly what Mary did.
Steps Mary Took in Responding to Her Calling
- She Heard the Word:
Mary listened intently to the angel’s message, recognizing it as a divine word from God. - She Didn’t Argue or Make Excuses:
Instead of questioning or resisting, she humbly accepted and submitted to God’s plan. - She Recognized Her Purpose:
Mary understood that this call was the very reason she was given life on earth. - She Received the Word Fully:
Mary didn’t dwell on the struggles or impossibilities. She embraced God’s promise with joy. - She Rejoiced in God’s Word:
Mary allowed God’s plan to take root in her heart, meditating on it and trusting Him to fulfill it. She rejoiced because of the call and honor she was given to be a part of God’s plan for the world. - She Watched God Work:
Mary didn’t strive to make things happen in her own strength. Instead, she obeyed the Holy Spirit’s guidance, step by step and watched as God’s plan unfolded. She didn’t try to figure it out or make up her own plan to get there.
Application for Today
You might wonder, “How does this apply to me?” The truth is, faith and God’s calling operate in the same way today as they did for Mary. Each of us has a specific mission in life. If we follow the example Mary gave, we can walk confidently in God’s purpose for us.
Here are some practical steps you can take to embrace your calling and step into your part of God’s plan today:
- Hear God’s Word:
Pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and follow them as they agree with scripture to discern God’s call for your life. - Don’t Argue or Make Excuses:
Resist the urge to focus on your limitations or fears. Trust that God will provide and equip you with what you need to fulfill His purpose. - Recognize Your Purpose:
Understand that God’s calling is the reason you were created and placed in this world. - Receive the Word with Joy:
Accept God’s call wholeheartedly, setting aside doubts about what seems impossible. - Rejoice in the Word:
Meditate on God’s promises daily, allowing His plan to take root and grow in your heart. - Obey and Watch God Work:
Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and trust God to work through your obedience and love for Him in His perfect timing.
Today I want to encourage you to consider your calling. Every person has a divine purpose, and you were born into this world for a reason. If you are young and just stepping into adulthood, ask God for the wisdom to discern His plan for your life and receive His equipping to follow it. If you’re older, reflect on whether you’ve given God full access to complete His work in you.
Pray and ask Him to make your path clear. Sincerely desire to fulfill the purpose for which you were created before you are done in this world. Trust that He will guide you perfectly and bring you to a place of blessing as you follow His plan.
Remember, God’s purpose for your life is greater than you can imagine, and He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill it. Be encouraged because He is faithful to complete the good work He began in you!
Today’s scripture reading: Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
The Daily Dose 