MARY MARY, NOT CONTRARY

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

--Luke 1:38

Whether you are saved or not, we all know that life can be unpredictable. The things that we face regularly can cause us to either run to or run from challenges, and either choice can be quite understandable. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was faced with an option to either accept or reject God's intentions for her, so let us take a look at how we can learn from her example of how she handled what was given to her.

The first point: God does not have to reveal His plans for you to everyone. God handpicked Mary to be the mother of Jesus, and at the right time He let her know of these plans. Notice that God did not make this announcement at a family gathering or to her parents. He only told Mary--and eventually Joseph. Our loved ones and others around us know a lot about us, but they can never know everything, including the plans that God has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). There may be times when the Lord will let you in on something that only pertains to you and may not be meant for everyone to know or understand. Mary did not go and tell her parents to ask for their advice or permission about the matter. She just trusted God and left it at that. Even if it is against the grain or the hopes and dreams of your family, go with God when and where He prompts you.

This brings me to the next point: Everything is not everyone's business. Luke 2:19 says, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Sometimes even the most profound news that God reveals to us needs to be kept in our hearts and minds and not shared with others. Of course, we now have the luxury of knowing at least some of the things that Mary kept to herself through God's Word, but what a lesson we can still learn from her. She may have been so overwhelmed with this responsibility to be the mother of Jesus, or she may not have been able to form the words to explain the fact that she was pregnant without being able to pinpoint a father to anyone's satisfaction. No matter the reason, Mary shows us that there is a time and place for everything (Eccelesiates 3:7). Letting people in on what God wants you to do can sometimes make you miss your opportunity to be used by Him. People want THEIR best for you...God wants THE best for you. And the difference can be night and day.

Here is the final point: God can use anyone He wants for what He wants when He gets ready. Mary shows us that great things can happen to and through anyone. God often uses the ordinary to help extraordinary things come to pass, and Mary was no exception. We are not told of any significant details about who Mary was or what she did in her life before the angel of the God approached her, but it was made clear that she had found favor in God's sight (Luke 1:30). She had a willing heart and a humble attitude, which was the right combination for this God-sized assignment. Mary was not the daughter of a priest or king. She was just plain ol' Mary. She didn't even have experience as a mother, and yet she was chosen by the Most High. God knew that this special calling would not be easy, but He knew who could handle the call. If God is calling you to do something risky and outside of your norm, remember that it is impossible for Him to make a mistake. He meant to pick you because He loves you that much.

Lemonaders, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!! You have been such a gift to me throughout the year, and I pray that each of you and your families have a wonderful celebration on Christmas day. And please do not forget to keep Christ in Christmas. Without Him, there would not be any reason to celebrate at all.