Willing

Mary paused her vigorous kneading of the bread dough, her thoughts whirling. She was pledged to be married to Joseph. He was a good man who had shown her only kindness, but lately her life moved faster than the river’s currents after a spring rain. Suddenly, there was a being standing before her. Mary trembled and clutched the edge of the table for support. Then the being spoke. “Greetings the Lord is with you.” The angel’s words were like a shaft of sunshine. “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” The angel Gabriel proceeded to tell her that the God she loved and served was sending His Son into the world—the very Savior they had all been longing for. Mary herself would be the one to carry the Son of the Most High in her womb. Mary took a deep breath and whispered, “How? I am a virgin.” Gabriel didn’t hesitate to reply, and Mary felt emboldened as he answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you no word from God will ever fail.” Mary could not even begin to grasp how this would change her life, let alone the entire world. But somewhere deep in her heart, she knew she didn’t need to understand it all, she just needed to be willing. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary said aloud. “May it be so.” Days later, Joseph wrestled with sorrow and anger in his heart. He’d thought Mary was the one for him—how could he have been so blind to her true nature? Love. He did love her, and if she was exposed for sexual sin, she could be stoned. Joseph couldn’t bear the thought of Mary being hurt, so he decided to divorce her quietly. That night, an angel invaded Joseph’s dreams with an astounding proclamation: the child inside Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit! This child, Jesus, would save the people from their sins. Joseph awoke in a cold sweat. He didn’t have all the answers, and he wasn’t even sure how this would impact his life, but his love for God compelled him to be willing. He did what the angel told him to do and accepted Mary as his wife. • Savannah Coleman • Today’s story is how one author imagines God helping Mary and Joseph to do what He called them to do. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were in Mary’s or Joseph’s place? • Why do you think Mary and Joseph were willing to follow God, even in a messy situation? “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 (NIV)