By, Hollie Vaughn
When the angel, Gabriel, stood before Mary she seemed frightened. This would be understandable, right. I mean, it’s not everyday an angel comes to you with a life altering announcement. But that is exactly what happened to Mary.
Read Luke 1:26-35, 38
Gabriel proclaimed that Mary was highly favored and blessed among women and was chosen to carry God’s only begotten Son, Jesus.
Woah!! That throws a wrench in her lifelong plans.
Whatever hopes and dreams she had for herself was now shattered. She was a little troubled at the BIG news. Gabriel senses this and assured her not to be afraid. He assured her that she is favored by God and chosen for this task.
Her response was first, “how can this be because I’ve never known a man?”. He responds with something no human mind could ever truly comprehend. God will place this miracle child inside of you.
Her second response is almost unfathomable for us to grasp.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
be it unto me according to thy word.
And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 1:38
A handmaiden is a female slave or servant who has no will of their own. They were to only fulfill the will of their master. Mary is placing herself in the complete service of her Master and Heavenly Father. She was devoting herself to God’s divine plan. Her only purpose was to obey and follow God’s will.
Can you point to a time in life when something turned your life upside down? Something that shook you to your core. A moment in time when nothing would ever be the same again?
How do you handle life shattering news? How do you cope with unfair circumstances? Do you accept it with the grace of Mary or do you get upset and offended at God for not allowing your life to go the way YOU planned?
Give it to God. Allow it to send you to His Word. Trust in His promises. Accept the role of a servant that only desires the obey the will of the Master.