December 15

Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

WHAT do you think of Mary’s words here? How easy are they y to say with our lips? How difficult are they to say with our heart?
     To say, “I am the Lord’s servant.” is to make a verbal commitment to God. Spoken aloud, you make a commitment. You sound as if you are ready to do the Master’s bidding at any moment without question.
     But then reality sets into your mind. “Am I really ready to serve God?” We ask more questions: “Why me, Father? Are you sure, Lord? Can this wait a few years? Are you sure you have the right person, God? Can I get back to you? What about my job? What about the things I like to do?”
     Mary certainly faced a huge task. As pregnant and unmarried, she knew she would face challenges, criticism and accusation. God’s law could form a legal threat against her life. Her betrothed Joseph would surely leave her, wouldn’t he? Her own family could reject her. Mary faced extreme uncertainty and sure difficulties.  
     But here’s the thing: Mary goes anyway. She lives into her words, “I am the Lord’s servant.” God gave to her a servant’s heart. She spoke her response to Gabriel, to God, with words from her heart. Then she stepped into her service. God had prepared her heart for this enormous task. And this little teen-aged girl was ready to be God’s true servant.
     We see in Mary the expression of a humble, faithful and loving heart. Mary is a good model to use when we hear God’s voice call us to serve his “impossible” purposes that his will may be done on earth.
     If you truly desire to grow in your faith, I believe you must pray with a heart that says to God, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I pray that I am the Lord’s servant. May my life be as you direct me. In Jesus’ name, amen.