Lord, Let It Be
“Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 MEV
The journey from childhood to adulthood isn’t easy. For many, the teenage years are some of the most awkward moments in life. For most, it’s a time of trying to fit in, a time of trying to figure out who you are, a time of bodily changes, and a roller coaster of emotions to sort through. I don’t know if you struggled during your teenage years but I sure did.
That is one reason why I have always been inspired by Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was just a teenager when she was visited by the angel Gabriel. I’ve often thought of her throughout my life and wondered what she must have thought and felt as she experienced such an awesome Heavenly encounter.
I can only imagine how overwhelmed she must have been to not only be in the presence of an angel but to also hear the words that he spoke to her. As wonderful as the news was, there was still a heavy weight to his words as questions and concerns swirled around in her mind like, “How can this be?” (vs. 34). And even though the scripture doesn’t specifically say it, I would think she had to be wondering, “What would Joseph say?” “Would her family understand?” “What would happen to her if they didn’t believe her?”
As amazing as it was to be visited by the angel Gabriel and find out that you were handpicked to carry the Messiah, it had to be moment in Mary’s life where her faith was tested. As she thought deeply about the repercussions that this would bring, she counted the cost and determined in her heart that there was really only one answer. Luke 1:38 tells us, “Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.”
In other words, she said, “Lord, I don’t know what this is going to be like, how this will turn out, what everyone will think – especially Joseph – all I know is you are trustworthy and true – I believe you and your word- I agree with your word and believe that if you ask something of me that you will see it through. I don’t have to understand everything about it – I just have to trust you and I do.”
Wow! Mary’s response hits home for me dear friend. I find myself struggling when God doesn’t give me the details to His request – especially when I don’t understand it. I question His plan and think I have a better one. Can you relate?
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Mary hadn’t of said yes? Do you think God’s salvation plan would have halted? Do you think He would have just given up if she wasn’t willing?
Well, I can tell you that it wouldn’t have stopped God’s redemption plan at all. If Mary would have said the task was too great for her, God would have moved onto someone else. God’s work will continue with or without us. Young, teenage girl Mary was willing to answer God’s call despite the unknowns and the repercussions that the world could have had.
What about us? Will we be like Mary to say, “Let it be Lord – just as you have said.” Will we have a willing heart to go wherever He leads?
It’s my prayer that we do. The blessings of obedience will always outweigh the cost!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the example of Mary. Her willingness to accept the task challenges me. I want to be a woman that finds favor in your eyes. Help me to have a heart that says yes to whatever you may ask of me. I trust you Lord – you will never ask something of me that you won’t be right there with me. You always give me what I need and you go before me and prepare the way. Thank you for being so loving. I love you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man
according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10 ESV
Reflection:
What do you struggle with the most in putting your “yes” on the table before God?
What can you do today to have more of a “Lord, Let it be” heart?