Devotion
In Luke 1:38, after hearing the angel Gabriel’s astonishing announcement that she would conceive the Son of God, Mary responds with a beautiful declaration of faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” This response wasn’t one of doubt or resistance, but one of humble acceptance and trust. Mary knew the magnitude of what she was being asked to do. It was not just an ordinary task; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Messiah. Yet, despite the uncertainty and potential for scandal in her life, Mary’s heart remained open to God’s will. She believed in the impossible, trusting that God would provide everything she needed.
Mary’s “yes” to God wasn’t simply a polite acquiescence; it was a profound act of surrender. The angel’s message meant her life would change dramatically. She would face the challenge of explaining her pregnancy to a community that wouldn’t understand, and the prospect of being misunderstood and even rejected by those closest to her. Yet, Mary doesn’t shrink back. Instead, she chooses to trust that God’s plan is greater than her fears. Her response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” shows that her heart was fully surrendered to God’s purpose, even when it didn’t make sense by human standards.
Mary’s willingness to accept God’s call is a powerful example for us today. In this Advent season, we are reminded that God’s plans for us often involve challenges or unexpected paths. Like Mary, we are called to surrender our own plans and trust in God’s will for our lives. His plans may not always make sense in the moment, but they are always filled with purpose and hope. Mary’s example teaches us that true faith is not about having all the answers or understanding every detail of God’s plan; it’s about saying, “Yes, Lord, may Your will be done.” When we surrender our hearts and our lives to God, we open ourselves to His perfect will and His amazing grace.
As we reflect on Mary’s response, we are called to ask ourselves: Are we willing to trust God completely, even when His call takes us into unknown or difficult places? Are we ready to surrender our own desires for the sake of His greater purpose? In this season of Advent, may we find the strength to say “Yes” to God with the same faith and surrender as Mary, knowing that nothing is impossible with Him.