Perplexed and Agitated

The prophet foretold that the Messiah would be the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus perfectly fulfilled this prophecy. Yet when Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to this special child, her first reaction was to become “very perplexed” (v. 29).

The Greek word, used here for the only time in the Bible, suggests she was greatly troubled and agitated. The words kept spinning in her mind. Yet she realized that she was being given an assignment specifically designed for her, that she had been chosen and “found favor with God” (v. 30).

The angel’s words soothed her troubled heart, but Mary still had questions. Hearing that she was to be a mother, she asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Gabriel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…For nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 35-36).

Mary declared that she was willing to do whatever God called her to do, for she was His “bondslave” (v. 38), willing to serve Him completely. As Gabriel confirmed, she could be confident that nothing was impossible with Him.

As Mary’s response demonstrated, the story of Jesus’ birth provides an opportunity to think about God’s call on our lives, and how we respond to the challenges of life. How do we react when we face situations that are perplexing? When we are given assignments that we don’t understand? When we feel agitated? Troubled? Afraid?

Like Mary, we need to remember that God is with us in every situation. To focus on serving Him, in every task to which we have been called, ready to do His will.

In your life, remember that you may not understand the situations you face, or why certain things happen. But always remember that you can trust God. And remember to be faithful to His call for you.