The Humble Servant: Faith in the God of the Impossible
Scripture: Luke 1:36-38
"And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:36–38, ESV)
God’s Power: Faith in the God of the Impossible
Gabriel's message was not only life-changing for Mary, but it also revealed the miraculous work of God—the God of the impossible—in Elizabeth’s life. "Your relative Elizabeth," he began, "in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren."
Mary’s heart must have skipped a beat as she realized the God of the impossible was moving in her family’s story. Elizabeth, the godly woman who had lived with the silent pain of infertility for decades, was carrying a son. Mary’s surprise likely gave way to hope. If God could work in Elizabeth's life, transforming sorrow into joy, His promise to Mary was possible too.
This news wasn't just an announcement; it was proof of God's power and a glimpse of His heart. Historically, God had worked in similar ways in the lives of women like Sarah and Hannah—blessing their homes with children to fulfill His purposes. In a society where barrenness was seen as a curse, Elizabeth’s story stands as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans often defy human expectations.
He moves in mysterious ways, reminding us that nothing is impossible for Him.
Mary’s Humility: Trusting God’s Impossible Plan
Mary's response to Gabriel reveals her remarkable faith. Her world had just been turned upside down, but she didn't falter. Instead, she humbly responded: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
What does it mean to be a servant of the Lord? Mary shows that it means surrendering everything—her plans, reputation, and even her sense of control. She didn't demand details or guarantees. She didn’t ask how Joseph would respond or about the whispers of her community. She simply trusted.
Imagine Mary’s quiet resolve as she absorbed Gabriel’s words. She didn’t have all the answers, but she chose faith over fear, trusting God’s plan despite the unknown.
Mary's faith is a model for us. She believed in the impossible because she believed in the God who can do all things. Her humility reminds us that true servanthood is rooted in obedience, even when the path is unclear or the cost is high. It's not just about believing but about living out that belief in obedience to God's will.
Reflection: Trusting the God of the Impossible
Throughout Scripture, God preserves His people by giving children to unlikely parents. He promised Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. He heard Hannah's tearful prayers and gave her a son. And now, He was fulfilling His plan through Elizabeth and Mary.
Gabriel's words to Mary echo the truth found throughout Scripture: our God is the God of the impossible. His reassurance to Sarah in Genesis 18:14—"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"—resounds in Mary’s story.
But God's power calls for a response. Mary shows us what it means to receive God's word, accept it, and obey it. She didn’t just believe God’s word; she acted on it. Her faith wasn't passive but bold and active, rooted in a living trust in God's promises.
Practical Applications:
Trust in God's Power: Reflect on the areas of your life that feel impossible and surrender them to God, trusting that He can work in ways beyond your understanding.
Humbly Receive God's Word: Commit to reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing God's truth to shape your heart and mind.
Obey Without Hesitation: When God calls you to act, respond with a willing and humble spirit, trusting that His plans are always for your good and His glory.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of Mary's faith and humility. Help me to trust in Your power and submit to Your will, even when the path is unclear. Teach me to live as Your humble servant, receiving, accepting, and obeying Your word. Strengthen my faith and help me believe that nothing is impossible for You. Amen.
Quote to Consider:
““Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.””
Encouragement:
As we reflect on Mary's story, may her faith inspire us. She believed that God could do the impossible, not just in her life but in the world. The same God who brought life to Elizabeth's barren womb and gave Mary the privilege of carrying the Savior is at work in your life today.
Picture Mary as she whispered her surrender: "Let it be to me according to Your word." Let that same spirit guide us this Advent season as we entrust the impossible to the God who makes all things possible.
