When life gets in the way of what I want, what is my train of thought? Do I ignore God and do, or say, whatever I want? Do I intentionally and stubbornly insist on my way or will? If so, am I sinning against God?
Mary had a choice of believing Gabriel’s message from God or not believing that God could do the impossible in her life. Zacharias loved God, yet did not believe that God could do a miracle in Elizabeth’s and his life. Yet, God used this godly couple to go forward with His plan.
Mary believed that God would do the impossible, for He was (and IS) God.
What did Mary say that was an act of spiritual worship?
(NASB) Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, “˜Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Mary accepted God’s will for her – have you?
Full acceptance of God’s will in your life and mine means we need to give up our stubborn holding on to that which we want. I am not God. But God is God. He gives us the best of what is good for us. (We may not agree if we are in circumstances that are harmful or hurtful to us.)
Mary accepted God’s will for her – and we can also.
(NIV) Romans 12:1 “Therefore…”
Whenever a “˜therefore’ is in Scripture, look at the verses that come before – to find out for what reason the therefore is there…for. Looking back to chapter 11 of Romans:
(NASB) Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
34 FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?
35 OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN?
36 For from him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Therefore, for this reason, followers of Christ…those who obey His word…
(NIV) Romans 12:1 “…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Mary consciously accepted God’s message to her…she accepted God’s will for her.
Acceptance is yielding to God, His way, for His will to be done in your life.
What do you now need to accept from God in your life?
