At the tender age of 12 or 13, as Jewish custom dictated, Mary was betrothed in marriage to a man named Joseph. I often imagine the excitement she felt preparing for the upcoming wedding and starting this new chapter of her young life. Yet all of her dreams and plans came to a screeching halt when Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. “Greetings, favored one!”, said the angel.  “The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) As Mary was wondering who this man was and what he wanted, the angel shared something even more shocking! “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him, Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31) 

Gabriel went on to tell Mary that this son Jesus, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, was actually the Son of God, and would sit on the throne of David, ruling forever! Imagine the thoughts, fear, and confusion swirling in Mary’s young mind! And yet even not fully comprehending the true depths of Gabriel’s message or what she would have to endure, Mary replied, “May it be done to me according to your word.” This young, innocent, girl, had a faith so strong, not only didn’t she hesitate to be used by God, she believed fully that God would provide all she needed to see His will done! And throughout her life and struggles, Mary relied on that faith to see her through. 

Oh how the momma’s heart in me sings with joy at the happiness Jesus brought to Mary’s life. The great love she felt holding Him in her arms, the excitement of watching Him grow, and the wonder of knowing He was her long awaited Messiah. And just as equally, my heart aches knowing that Mary witnessed the pain, betrayal, and sacrifice Jesus endured. And how torn her heart must have been as she watched her son nailed to the Cross. 

Bible scholars agree that Joseph had long since died before the death of Jesus. So near the end of her story, we find Mary widowed and grieving the loss of her child. Yet she is still willing to be used by God. For after the death of Jesus, it would have been custom for Mary to return home to be with her family; and the Bible tells us that Mary had other sons and daughters. ( Mark 6:3) Yet before He died, Jesus commanded Mary to go with the apostle John, and Mary followed. (John 19:26-27) It is widely believed that is there, in Jerusalem, where Mary stayed with the disciples working in the ministry up until her death.

Do you wish that you too could be used mightily by God, but wonder what He could ever do with someone like you? We need to remember that God didn’t choose Mary because she was the prettiest, smartest, or special in any way. He chose Mary because of her heart. 

Do you have the heart of Mary? The heart of Mary is open to receiving God’s calling. How is your prayer life? We can’t hear from God if the lines of communication aren’t open. The heart of Mary is ready to answer God’s calling. Are you ready, no matter the cost, to lay down your own plans to see God’s done? And finally, the heart of Mary is an obedient one. Will you follow where the God leads no matter where He takes you? 

The same words Gabriel spoke to that young Jewish girl he speaks to us as well. “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30) As followers of Christ we too are favored by God. So with the heart of Mary, be brave, be faithful, and be open to His calling. And watch how God, through little old you, does awesome and amazing things! 

Mary could certainly relate:

 When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you.” She was startled by what the angel said and tried to figure out what this greeting meant. The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.” Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? … Luke 1:28-34
She of course went on to accept all the angel had told her. 

Joseph could also relate, for he was just a poor carpenter betrothed to Mary, who thought to secretly divorce Mary, until the angel told him the plan in a dream.  (Mt 1:18-24)

I wonder how many of us would have chosen Joseph and Mary to bear the Son of God!? 

And certainly not in Bethlehem! “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2

In a stable, mind you.

And rather than the host of angels announcing His birth to the world, or at the very least the royalty of the world, God chose the lowliest of men; mere shepherds keeping watch over their flocks while the rest of the world slept. (Luke 2:8-15)

When it came time to dedicate Jesus, God’s Son- the King of kings and Lord of lords, Joseph and Mary could only offer the poorest of offerings – two turtledoves, or young pigeons. (Luke 2:24)  

And what of Simeon? He was simply a man that God chose to reveal the Messiah to. And Anna? An old widow, who had spent most of her life in the Temple. 

All of these simple people and simple beginnings. Nothing fancy, no fanfare! (Except the announcement to the shepherds perhaps) This was how our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ chose to come to us as the Messiah, the Savior of the whole world!!

 I believe I would have come up with another plan, much more grander perhaps, but the Lord did show me something else they all had in common... something of great worth to God… a heart that loved Him ... was ready and eager to follow Him, and rejoiced along with Him over His coming!

How about you? Has God called you to something? Do you wonder at times, why? Are you in the days of small beginnings even now?

The Lord is rejoicing to see the work He will produce through you. BUT, don’t take my word for it, look in the Bible … Moses had gotten off to a horrible start murdering an Egyptian and then running away. David began his time in a field tending sheep. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem with a remnant despite the opposition and the odds. And need I mention Jesus disciples and all God was able to do through them! The Bible is full of examples of God using “the foolish things of the world to confound the wise”. (1 Cor 1:27)

If you are wondering, “why me?” or find yourself in the days of small beginnings, take heart! The Lord is excited to see the work begin in you, and He who has called you to the work is faithful to strengthen your hands to do it, (1Thes 5:24). He will also send helpers into the ministry should you need them, and will be faithful to help you in whatever task He has set before you (Phil 2:13)! He will encourage you through His Spirit and with His Word, and will provide all of you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it (1 Thess. 5:23). Just ask any of those God chose to be there when He came down to earth as our Savior!

 Blessings!