Read Luke 1:26-38
Do you ever feel like there is more going on than you can control or even comprehend? Just trying to keep up is exhausting.
I can imagine that Mary would have felt like that. We are introduced to her in the context of ancient prophecies, angelic messengers and an immaculate conception that will lead to global salvation. Wow! Those are some huge themes and big ideas. Mary is brought into a story that contains way more than she can control or even comprehend.
In that moment, we have a few options: fight, figure or follow.
Fight: we can resist the invitation. We can fight for our own way. We can struggle against the events that are unfolding and the part we are called to play.
Figure: we can try to make sense of everything. Maybe we can figure things out, devise a new plan or compose a different story.
Follow: we can take the step God is calling us to take. We can follow His lead, even though we don’t know all the details about where He is leading us.
Mary chose to follow.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
The story was much bigger than she could imagine. Her role was certainly more daunting than she would have wanted. But her response was just right. She didn’t fight against God’s calling. She didn’t try to figure out the cosmic themes. She simply followed God’s lead and took her next step. We would do well to follow her example.
List some of the scenarios that are beyond your control.
When the circumstances and challenges of life start to feel overwhelming, how do you typically respond?
What would it look like for you to follow God’s lead today?
Dr. Paul McGuinness 