And Mary said, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.” And the angel departed from her. - Luke 1:38 (ESV)
This Christmas season I have been thinking about Mary when the angel approached her about conceiving a baby and how Joseph was not going to marry her until he was also visited by an angel who assured him this child is not out of sin. It is amazing that they both said yes to God and that they both believed what was being said.
I imagine there were gossips they had to endure, even though we don’t see the details of what they must have dealt with, while choosing to obey.
It makes me wonder how much we are willing to endure because of our obedience to the voice of God. How far will we go to obey?
Jesus came from the comfort of heaven in the form of a baby developing in the womb, going through the birth process, then lived on earth obeying the Father’s will as He was nailed to a cross.
I am moved in my soul to understand that obedience isn’t always an easy task, and others may ridicule me even though I know I am motivated by the Lord to do His will.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this lesson in hardship and hope, Thank You that You endured the life as a human and choose humble hearts to share in Your sacrifice of love and obedience.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
