Saying Yes to God

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 NKJV

I’ve said “yes” to God, many times. Have you? I’ve done my best to rest in God’s plan and yield to Him in all things. Somehow, I still mess up sometimes. Truthfully, it happens more than I’d like to admit. Sometimes, I miss what He’s attempting to show me. I get angry or rattled, and my good intentions go right out the window. I’ve hurt others, although it wasn’t intentional. I’ve gotten ahead of God, blown my witness, and had thoughts that are shameful. Yet, I passionately believe that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. (See 1 John 4:4.) I’ve seen God’s hand of deliverance when only a miracle would do. I’ve seen provision come, when it appeared hopeless. I’ve seen supernatural healing; I’ve even experienced His divine touch myself. I am redeemed, and one day soon I’ll stand before God in my completeness. But my immediate problem is akin to Paul’s: Sometimes I do what I don’t want to do and don’t do what I want to do – or should do. (See Romans 7:15-20.) I think, “Help me, Oh God.” In my humanness, I cry out, “Who will deliver me from this body of flesh?” Only Jesus!

That’s one reason Mary, the virgin mother, amazes me. When Mary said “yes” to God, it was not only powerful and passionate, it was predestined and empowered by God’s spirit. Her heart for God is what astounds me. At a time when women had no formal education and didn’t study God’s word, Mary was saturated with it. She knew God, and she knew His Word. It was written on her heart - It was in her! Undoubtedly, God saw her love and respect for His word and her incredible faith in it. That’s a powerful combination, even today. When a woman of prayer reads or hears God’s word, respects it, takes it to heart, and believes it – regardless of what things look like in the natural – it’s powerful, and God can use it. That’s exactly what Mary did.

She said “yes,” fully aware of her virginity and betrothal. In other words, she said “yes” to God, knowing full well she was betrothed to Joseph; therefore, her yes condemned her. She’d face shame and ridicule, possibly stoning, but Mary had faith. She knew that the Messiah would change the world. Mary knew of His coming and that God had selected her for the most coveted call of women. She believed that if God’s spirit could supernaturally impregnate her, He could certainly protect her and His unborn Son. After all, He was God, and she believed in Him.

Mary was born for this! Before the world began, God chose Mary. She had been prepared for this moment all of her life. To fulfill prophecy and unleash a love like the world had never seen, a Savior – Jesus – would be born of a virgin from Nazareth. On the day that Mary said “yes” to Gabriel, God was not surprised. But I bet Mary surprised herself. Until that moment, she did not know her inner strength. We will never know the depth of our faith or the full measure of God’s work within us until we are called to something which costs us more than we think we can give. When our “yes” requires total reliance on Him, He will not let us fail. He will undergird our faith with the same sure and steady hands which created us. He will not leave us unattended or unequipped for the call, and He would support Mary every step of the way. Mary’s unique story is thrilling from start to finish.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, fill us with a kingdom love and use us! When You call and we are moved by Your spirit, give us the grace to say like Mary, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Amen.