May 6

And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her”. Luke 1:38 (MSG)

What a privilege it is to be able to listen in to this conversation between Mary, the Mother of God, and the angel sent to tell her this remarkable news…you will conceive a child, by the power of the Holy Spirit alone, and you will give birth to the Holy Child, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.
 
While this news is beyond anything we could comprehend hearing ourselves, as it must have been for Mary in that moment of time, we are strengthened in our own lives, by her response. Mary’s eyes were opened. She could see that this was nothing that she, in and of herself, could do. Yet if it was the perfect will of the God she served, in Whom nothing was impossible, then surely it would indeed come to pass.
 
God was not looking for Mary’s ability, simply her willingness to hear Him, and take Him at His word. He would be the One to bring it to pass. He would be the One to cover and carry her, as she carried that which was most precious to Him, and most significant for us—for she carried our salvation in her womb, and the very salvation of all mankind. Of course, she could not have known the full impact of this then, and for all of time, but she was willing, and obedient, trusting God with it all.
 
What particular things, dear heart, is God asking you to do today, that even in the asking, He knows full well, He intends to do it for you, and through you? Is it to take a risk and reach out to someone you want to share the good news of Jesus, our Saviour, and the sound of Mary’s sweetest song? Or is it to move forward in a step of faith to forgive someone who has hurt you, when God may be asking you to entrust them, and your pain, to Him? Could it be to let something go that you have hoped or believed for, so that room can be made for something new—something far greater than you could ask for or imagine?
 
Whatever it is, precious one, God will never ask more of you, than He asked of Mary, who as a young girl put her trust and confidence in the One with Whom all things are possible. Are you ready to serve Him, when and how He calls you, even if it is just to serve through loving—loving God, loving yourself, and others? 

No matter what the request may be, He is not expecting you to do it on your own. He is right here with you, as He was with Mary; His favour and grace upon you, for all the plans and dreams of heaven to come true. And to come true through one surrendered life—dear heart, that’s you! 

Prayer:

I am sure Lord, those words spoken by Mary must have been some of the sweetest words You have ever heard…that she was willing and ready to serve You and to do Your will. 

I want to say the same thing in my life Father, that like Mary, I could say yes to all that You ask, even when I cannot fully understand and see.

My heart is willing, and I long to bless You, even though at times my hands are weak and I stand on shaky knees! Still, I trust You, Holy Spirit, to lead, guide, teach and empower me to serve You in all things.
 
I desire always to walk in Your perfect will, and so I too say today, Lord, “Here I am. For whatever You desire—let it be unto me”.