One of our questions this week was the following: " Imagine what it would have been like to be Mary--to have an angel tell you you're going to be the mother of the Son of God. How would you have felt when you heard Gabriel's announcement? What would you have said in response to the angel?"
Personally, I find this question fascinating. I believe that after being in shock I would have been in denial. I would have probably been questioning my sanity. Although I love the Lord and trust Him, being asked to take on such a huge undertaking would be overwhelming. I think I would think that He had asked the wrong person. Mary must have had such a sweet spirit and been so willing to submit no matter what. There have been times when I felt the Lord was leading me to do specific things and I took them on. But I did these things with much prayer and counsel from others that love the Lord. Thinking back now on these activities I should remember that He gave me the strength and guidance with those endeavors and I should not doubt myself so much. Total trust in the Lord seems to be the key to this question. If He wants us to do something, He will make a way.
The author brought out a story of a missionary to China, Gladys Aylward that was born in London in 1904. She dedicated her life to the Lord and believed she was supposed to preach in China. After failing her mission-board exam it would seem to many of us that maybe she really wasn't supposed to head to China. She was not a woman that gave up easy. Perhaps that's a prerequisite to following. She heard of an elderly missionary looking for someone to take on her work and she found out she could go if she could get there. So in October of 1930 she left for China with her passport, her Bible, and two pounds, nine pence to her name. She became one of the most famous missionaries of the twentieth century. Would we be so obedient?
Let's think of what God may be asking of us today. Is there something that He would have us do for Him, whether big or small? Do we have a willing spirit?
3 comments:
Funny that we've had similar thoughts about Mary and her willingness to serve. Of course, it does make all the difference to have God make the way. She absolutely knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was God. Yet even she "forgot" every now and then. Guess we should be able to give ourselves and each other a break now and then.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
(Can't spell so well on Sundays. ;D)
A willing spirit that submits to the Lord....Jesus set the very best example....and Mary was so favoured by our Lord, that He chose her to bear His son. It's very marvellous to contemplate.
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