Mary - A Change of Plans
by Lana Meadows Dec 11, 2019
Have you ever faced a large situation that is life changing? How did that make you feel?
Imagine, you are a teenager and busy making plans for your upcoming wedding. Then, one night everything changes. You love God and do your best to honor his will. That night could test your faith.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Mary.
"The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30
What would you think if suddenly an angel appeared in your room one night? Do you think Mary was afraid?
After the angel told her she would conceive a baby, she didn't seem afraid but actually confused as to how it could be because she was a virgin.
"Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the [h]holy Child shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:34-35
Had the angel stopped the dialogue with Mary at that point do you think she would believe it? In fact the angel continued with a statement that her cousin Elizabeth was also pregnant. Elizabeth was in her elder years and unable to have a baby.
Could this miracle that Mary heard from the angel help to lead Mary in her faith?
"And Mary said, 'Behold, the [k]bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." Luke 38
Would you wonder if it was all a dream? Not Mary. She hurried to Elizabeth's house. Did she wonder if Elizabeth was really pregnant or was she simply excited to go see her and celebrate the news?
"Now [l]at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth." Luke1:39-40
If the was ever a doubt in Mary's mind it quickly went away when she saw Elizabeth.
"When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" Luke1:41, 42
What can we learn from Mary's faith?
How strong would your faith be if you were told by a messenger of God that a life-changing event was to happen in your life? Maybe your message is to move to another town. Or take a new job. Or adopt a baby. Or begin a ministry. How would you respond? Even if you don't know how or why, would you be able to answer like Mary did and say here I am Lord and let it be as you say? What might prevent you from acting like Mary did?