Praising, Submissive, at Peace

How would Mary have reacted? The angel had declared that she would give birth to a son. She immediately responded by asking a logical question: “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

After being reassured that nothing was impossible with God, she declared her willingness to suspend doubt and simply believe. She told the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

A short time later, we see Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, who described how the child within her “jumped for joy” when Mary approached. With a supernatural understanding of what was happening, Elizabeth declared, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.” Then, summarizing what had been revealed to her, she said: “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

All the doubts had disappeared. Mary was at peace and totally submitted to God’s will. She was ready to do whatever He asked. Knowing that she was just a “lowly servant girl,” she marveled that God had called her for such a special assignment. And her heart was filled with praise, not complaining or questioning, but rejoicing in God, her Savior.

When we think of the situations we face, it can be natural to be skeptical, to have doubts and questions. These are moments to think about how Mary responded.

How our lives are transformed when we simply trust God! When we don’t fight Him, but surrender to His will. When we know that, with Him, nothing is impossible. When, instead of dwelling on questions, we respond with praise!