This devotional reflects on Mary’s obedience when an angel announced Jesus’ birth.
God’s plans can feel impossible, yet faith says yes before understanding.
Today, we ask for the courage to obey with trust.
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever;
his kingdom will never end.”
(Luke 1:31–33)
The Announcement of His Birth
An angel appeared.
He came to Mary and told her that she would give birth to a son,
even though she was not yet married.
Mary was startled.
So she asked how such a thing could happen, since she had never been with a man.
The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her.
He said the power of the Most High would overshadow her.
Therefore, Mary would give birth to the Son of God.
He also said that her relative Elizabeth, though old in age,
was already six months pregnant with a son.
Then Mary replied,
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to Your word.”
Obedience That Risked Everything
This event may seem small when compared to God’s infinite power.
However, to us, it is an extraordinary miracle.
A virgin giving birth to a child.
In that time, it could have led to death by stoning.
Yet Mary accepted it in obedience.
She chose to trust that the will of the Lord would be done.
God’s wondrous plans can look unreasonable by the standards of this world.
At times, they are not welcomed at all.
In other words, a life of obedience to God’s word can invite ridicule.
It can also bring persecution.
God does not always work in the same pattern.
But often His ways go beyond the ways of this world.
And through those who choose to obey—
through His people who walk in faith—
He reveals His greatness.
A Prayer for Faith to Obey
There is a plan that God intends to fulfill in my life.
I do not know it clearly.
Even so, within a faith that chooses obedience,
God’s good plan will surely come to pass.
“God, I do not think I am a person of faith like Mary.
But I desire that Your good plan would be fulfilled in my life.
Please give me the faith to obey.
So that Your goodness may flow through my life, and Your kingdom may be expanded.
I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”