Hello lovelies! Have you ever struggled to trust God? While it’s easy to say we trust God, it can be a lot harder to live out that trust when life seems out of control. Today, let’s consider the life of a woman who trusted God when she faced a very hard decision. That woman is Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Here’s what Mary teaches us about trusting God.
Mary’s perfect life was interrupted.
In Luke 1, we meet a young lady named Mary. Imagine what her life was like just seconds before the angel visited her. She was engaged to an amazing, godly guy and probably planning a wedding. She would be full of hope and joy, thankful for God’s goodness to her. Life seemed rosy and bright.
But suddenly, an angel interrupted her life. His first words are rather surprising, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:28)
This wasn’t the type of thing covered in the Jewish Ladies’ Guide to Etiquette, so she was speechless as she tried to figure out what he might mean.
The angel continued, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS…”
Stunned, Mary asked how this could be possible. The angel explained that this child would not have an earthly father, but would be the Son of God.
Imagine how Mary must have felt…shock, dismay, fear, anxiety could have easily warred in her mind and heart.
What would her parents think? How would she explain this to Joseph? Would they still get married? And would she look fat in her wedding dress?
Yet, somehow Mary decides to graciously submit to God’s plan. She replies, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)
Mary still chose to trust God.
In the days to follow, Mary would have faced shame, rejection, and undoubted social backlash. Friends may have shunned her company. She would have felt alone and misunderstood by others. Even Joseph planned to end their relationship at one point.
Yet, Mary chose to trust God. She went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and praised God in a stunningly beautiful song. In this song of praise, we see that Mary trusted God’s bigger picture. She looked beyond the temporary costs of carrying the Messiah and considered herself blessed among women.
“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
God knew that Mary would respond in faith, so He honoured her by choosing her to carry His Son.
Have you been disappointed this year?
Maybe this year hasn’t been an easy one for you. You may have hoped and dreamed for something, but God said no. Your heart may feel bruised and heavy. You may wonder why God is taking so long to answer your prayers or if things will always be this hard.
Friend, choose to trust God. Know that God loves you, and He has a perfect plan for your life.
He wasn’t surprised by what happened in your life. No plot twist has ever surprised the Lord. He is still working all things together for good in your life.
Know that God cares about you. Run to Him, and pour out your heart to Him. He will heal your hurts and cast out your fears. God knows the desires of your heart, and He will fulfill those desires in His good time. He loves you oh so much!
Trust Him, friends!
Let’s Chat:
What do you need to trust God with today? How is God teaching you to trust Him? Let’s bring our worries to Him and then rest in Him. He is writing a beautiful story in our lives!