“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 (NIV)

 

What were Mary’s plans for her future? Perhaps they were filled with thoughts about her upcoming wedding, similar to any future bride, as she anticipated marrying Joseph. Then, abruptly one day, her future was changed by an unbelievable encounter with the angel, Gabriel. As she reacted with fear and a troubled heart, the angel said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” As she asked for clarification from the angel of how this could happen, his reassurance and her faith in God allowed her to say: ³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”  Her response is stunning! First, the impossibility of it would make most of us doubt that we had heard correctly. Then, the reality of the news would have been devastating: her family and betrothed would likely reject her and she could be subjected to death by stoning. Yet, she said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  Even when the fulfillment of this announcement threatened her life, she believed the angel’s words and knew that God would be with her and would take care of her, regardless of the outcome.

 

As we ponder Mary’s amazing response and faith in God, perhaps we need to ask ourselves a few questions: (See Luke 1:26-38 for the whole story.) 

1. What current situation is not going as you planned? 

2. Mary didn’t understand how the angel’s words could come true, so she asked questions. What questions can you ask God so that you can receive comfort and understanding in your current situation?

3. Remembering that “nothing is impossible with God” (vs 37), repeat the words “I am the Lord’s servant; may your word to me be fulfilled” (vs 38) several times. Ask God to strengthen your trust in Him so that you give up your plans for His. 

4. Read Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46-56. In your present circumstances, make this song of praise your own prayer for gratitude, remembrance, and joy.

⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. ⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. ⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful ⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

 

Lord, God, I give you my dreams for the future. Please strengthen my trust and faith in you so that I can say “may your word to me be fulfilled” as I live confidently that you will take care of me. Help me to fulfill your dreams for me and to walk fearlessly through each day.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.