Perplexed and Agitated

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

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

Her anxiety might have diminished, 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.” (vs. 34-37).

Soothed by these words, Mary declared that she was willing to do what God had called her to do, for she was His “bondslave,” willing to serve Him completely (v. 38). As Gabriel had told her, she could be confident that nothing was impossible with God.

The Christmas story is an opportunity for us to think about God’s call on our lives. How will we respond to the challenges of life? How do we react when we face situations that are perplexing or are given assignments we don’t understand? What do we do when our hearts and minds are agitated, troubled, or afraid?

Like Mary, we need to remember that God is with us in every situation. We need to focus on serving Him in every task to which we’ve 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 know that you can trust God. Remember to be faithful to His call on your life.