Faith Like Mary’s

Our sermon this past Sunday centered on the faith of the young Mary. Can you imagine being about fourteen years old or so and having an angel visit you? And the message she received. Wow! Would you have believed you’d had a conversation with an angel, or would you think you were going bonkers?

Because of her strong faith, Mary believed. Yes, since she was a virgin, she questioned the angel. Not that this thing would come to pass, but she asked about the how. That makes sense to me. I’d ask what was expected of me to that end, too. The angel reassured her that this would be the work of the Holy Spirit, not man. Somehow, this seemed reasonable and possible to the young Mary. Her response was, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38 ESV).

HOW STRONG IS OUR FAITH?

As I think about Mary’s faith, I have to wonder about my own faith and that of so many of our youth today. How willing would I or they be to take on such an assignment? How many would believe that there were and are such things as angels? Who would believe that God and the power of the Holy Spirit could accomplish such a thing?

And in this age of so much gossip spread readily through social media, how would one even begin to explain this to her family and friends? Who would stay? Who would abandon her? So many questions.

When it comes to faith like Mary’s, would you or I be this submissive to the will of God? Is our faith this strong?

Faith Like Mary's @DDuPreeWilliams #Faith #MarysUnfathomableFaith #GreatCommission Share on X

PRAY FOR FAITH LIKE MARY’S

As Mary pondered things within her heart, along with me, think about your faith this week. Is yours as strong as it needs to be? In these troubled times, we have no idea about what lies ahead for any of us.

Is our faith strong enough to see us through the worst of times? Do you know someone who questions that God even exists, who has little or no faith? Pray for faith like Mary’s for you and for those on your list.

Perhaps these are the days in which each of us can answer the call to the Great Commission as laid out in Matthew 28:18-20 ESV—

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

This week we lit the Advent Peace candle.

Blessings and Peace of Christ to you and your family.

This is Orlando Gibbons’ Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise- after her visit with the angel. I’ve sung this so many times I have it memorized. I will admit, it is one of my favorites. Not for just the music, but for the lovely words. So powerful. Find the Scripture for this in Luke 1:46-55. I pray it blesses you.