Read: Luke 1:26-38
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (v. 38)
Mary was already “weak” in the eyes of the world before the angel brought his request from God that she become the mother of God-in-flesh. We often consider her strength and courage without thinking of her weakness. Paul would later say, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world . . . so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
Although the world might have despised Mary’s weaknesses, she didn’t, and willingly added pregnancy outside of marriage to the list of being young and female in a culture that could be cruel to all of the above. When God had a plan that added to her vulnerability, she didn’t run away from it or go on and on about her unsuitability to do the work of the gospel. She trusted. She found consolation and honor in partnering with God in his story. She submitted, says verse 38, to a God she believed was good.
If we, like Mary, trust that God is always good, it’s easier to submit when what God asks of us makes us weaker, allowing his strength to flow through our story to the world. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, ask God for a vision of what he might accomplish through your own submission to his will.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
