Waiting Open-Ended

 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

Gabriel's pronouncements broke heaven's four hundred year silence. God-ordained births promised to those found waiting for Messiah. 

Unlike Zechariah, Mary accepts Gabriel's word as God's promise without question. Putting aside doubts, Mary offers herself as God's servant regardless of how this miraculous birth played out, regardless of the personal consequences between her and Joseph. She doesn't secretly wish for better circumstances or hold God responsible for any self-imposed wishes. She never throws threatening fists heavenward when Joseph threatens a quiet divorce, nor shirks her calling amidst whispering neighbors, begging God to "take it back."

Rather, Mary waits open-ended. She silences her wishes and trades an unassuming, neatly packaged life for the honor of nurturing God's son-becoming the conduit by which God restores humanity.

What about us? How do we wait for Messiah's return? Do we impose our wishes on God's plans accepting His divine instructions only if they fit neatly into our preconceived plans? Or do we humbly present ourselves as servants regardless of the outcome? Do we truly believe He will do more than we can ask or even imagine?

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

 Lord, help us not only to accept your calling on our lives but may we also lay down our wishes. May we continue our journey with you, waiting open-ended and placing our entire faith in you to accomplish Kingdom purposes whatever way you see fit.