If Mary Can Do It...

Today I came across another amazing Bible reading plan on YouVersion - 21 Day Plan for Busy Women: A Rich and Satisfying Life.  I figured I'm a busy woman (although not as busy lately), I've got 21 days, I want to live a rich and satisfying life, so I'm giving it a shot.  So far, good call! 

Today's reading is about Mary.  You probably know the story, an angel came to Mary told her she was going to give birth to a son and that son was going to be the savior of the world.  If you've ever been to a Christmas or Easter church service, then you've heard this story.  It's been told so many times, and at least here in the United States, the "scene" of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the manger is as familiar as the tagline for Wal Mart - Save Money. Live Better.  But Mary's story is obviously so much more than the nativity scene.

In Luke 1:26-55, the angel appears to Mary and tells her what God is going to do.  We don't really see how difficult it is for Mary to grasp the impact of what she's hearing, the writer only expressed that Mary was afraid of the angel, not of the message he was delivering.  Instead, Mary says:  "I am the Lord's servant...May your word to me be fulfilled." Luke 1:38.

Can you imagine - an angel appears (now this alone would freak me plum out) and tells you that you're going to be pregnant but remain a virgin, you get the pleasure of telling your boyfriend and convincing him you didn't cheat with another guy, all your friends are going to do the math and figure out that you weren't married when you got pregnant, oh, and, you get to raise the Son of God.  Now, I don't know about you, but I think I would be overwhelmed with anxiety.  Pregnancy and being a mom is a difficult gig, but to face Joseph and the rest of the world and then to raise the Son of the Most High? 

But here's what Mary says:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name." Luke 1:46-49

Mary is facing total uncertainty.  Her young life has been altered in a way that will affect eternity. 

Because of her faithfulness to allow God to work through her, I am who I am today.

Mary made herself available, she recognized and embraced her calling and God fulfilled His promise.  So, as I am waiting for God to share with me His plans for my future, one thing is certain...if Mary can do it, so can I! 

What about you - are you waiting for God to move in your life?  Do you find strength in Mary's story?