“For nothing will be impossible with God.” So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.”
Into the Text
Mary was just a girl. Perhaps no more than 13 or 14 years old, but she found favor with God. What did God see in Mary that would cause Him to choose her as the earthly mother of the promised Messiah?
2 Chronicles 16:9 says that “the LORD watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him.” The Hebrew word for “devoted” in this verse refers to the heart and conveys undivided loyalty. God doesn’t look for perfection. This is what pleases God: a heart that is undividedly devoted to Him.
That was Mary. The angel told her that she would conceive, though she was a virgin, and give birth to the Son of God. The social ramifications for her were life altering. Her fiancé would assume she cheated on him. No one would believe her. She would be marked with shame and ridicule, even risk being stoned to death.
Mary knew all of this may be ahead for her, but she responded with these words: “I am a servant of the Lord.” She was surrendered to the will of God for her life, come what may.
God gave her strength, and He will do the same for us. Let’s be women who are fully devoted to God and who obey God and trust Him with our reputations and our futures, whatever the cost.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am your servant. I want to be surrendered to your will, come what may. Help me to trust you with my reputation and my future. Give me strength to obey you, whatever the cost. Amen.