Lessons From Mary
[Luke 1:26-38]
Mary was just a young woman, a person God foreknew and had already ordained and predestined the plan and purpose for her life. She was totally unaware of the future, never dreamed that God would use her for His glory. Or, that by governing the most natural occurrence in a young woman’s life she would bring salvation to mankind. She was young and in love, excited about what lay ahead—a new husband – a new life, a whole new season.
“How will this be …” she asked, “ since I am a virgin…"
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…” came the answer. [Luke 1:34-35] Apart from the revelation that she was about to give birth to the Son of God…what can we learn from Mary?
- It was a spiritual plan birthed in and through the natural. Mary was an ordinary young woman who God had chosen to accomplish His purpose – God uses ordinary people and ordinary circumstances. The person He uses is already naturally prepared as an instrument He desires to use.
- Individual lives influence and effect future generation. The plan for our lives is never ultimately about ‘us’ –His plan is not to impress others but to impact lives today and future generations.
- Destiny is birthed by a spiritual plan and power. The business plan is for God’s purpose—it is empowered by God. God does not engage our lives in His purpose without empowering us to accomplish His purpose.
- Guidance must come directly from God. The new season in Mary’s life began on a very personal level, between she and God—His guidance must be heard and obeyed. Keeping the main thing the main thing will add confidence, assurance and faith. Those around you may clarify and confirm but only God gives direction for His plan.
- A support system is necessary. Joseph and Elizabeth not only clarified and confirmed God’s plan but they were the necessary support system she needed, they gave acceptance and affirmation
- Facing the unknown is always fearful. Mary struggled with God’s intervention and quite naturally became afraid.
- Accepting something greater than we are able to accomplish places us into a relationship of total dependency. It is the point at which God intervenes and changes our fear into faith, our cringing into courage.
- Prior experience is not necessary. Mary had no previous experience—she did not know how this plan could possibly be. The supernatural makes the usual, unusual and the ordinary, extraordinary and when the spiritual transcends the natural, God is glorified.
- What God has called us to do He is also well able to perform. We do not know what tomorrow holds but we do know who holds tomorrow.
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