“And Mary said, ‘Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38, New American Standard Bible.

We often read the Bible’s account of the birth of Christ and overlook how incomprehensible it was at the time. Christians have spoken about the virgin birth, the appearances of angels, the visit by the three wise men, etc., for so long that we think it is all obvious. Even with Old Testament prophecies to remember, it must have all seemed far-fetched.

Did Mary understand that the Old Testament meant a literal virgin would bear a son (Isaiah 7:14)? Could it really have meant “young woman” and not “virgin”? Besides, could it possibly refer to her? Sure, her future husband was a descendant of King David, but that was centuries ago! Surely there must have been virgins from more upper-classed branches of David’s family tree.

Why me? This question must have echoed through Mary’s soul as the angel said that God had chosen her to bear His Son.

Mary and the angel were not having this conversation in 2023. Unmarried women did not get pregnant. If they did, it was not socially acceptable. What would her parents think? What would her fiance, Joseph, think? Would anybody have her stoned for adultery? Even if Joseph lets her live, who would help her raise the baby? These were serious questions.

The first two chapters of Luke depict Mary as a thoughtful, contemplative woman. Several times, Luke says that she treasured events and statements in her heart or pondered them (Luke 1:29; 2:19; 2:51). For a woman who was prone to deep thought, her response to the angel seems almost impulsive: “May it be done to me according to your word.” She was essentially saying, “I know it will not be easy. I have no idea how I will get through it. But if an angel of the Lord says God thinks I can do it, okay. I will do whatever God wants.”

Can we join Mary and say, “May it be done to me according to your word”? Can we agree to accept God’s will for our lives, do what He wants us to do, and serve Him in whatever way He chooses?

What if God’s will brings the threat of physical harm? What if it leads to financial loss? What if it means sacrificing our professional careers by saying “yes” to God and “no” to the values of corporate America? What if God’s will brings conflict with family and friends?

True faith recognizes that God’s will is always perfect and loving. He always knows best. Even when it looks bad, He will bring good out of it. We should trust Him even when we do not understand what He is doing.

Ponder this in your heart. Remember who God is and all He did for us. Then, let us join Mary and say, “Behold, I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Heavenly Father, give us the faith to say, as Mary did, “May it be done to me according to Your word.” Give us faith to trust You, believe You, and most importantly, obey You, knowing that You will never leave or forsake us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you believe God is calling you to do something bold in 2024? Are you willing to say “Yes” to His will? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.