Believing Like Mary

Labyrinth by Ignacio Bernal
flickr.com/photos/bernalredondo/8118647942_CC BY-ND 2.0

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45

Preparing for Advent, I'm drawn to Mary's faith. That she "simply" opened her life to the Lord as his handmaiden in obedience to the angel Gabrielle's message to be the mother of Jesus. But, I've no doubt her journey in those next nine months was not easy.

Amongst the ridicule and embarrassment of her illegitimate pregnancy I'm sure she questioned, more than once, if she was following the right path; wondered if she should be the chosen one of God to carry his child. What was she thinking? Life would have been so much easier if she said no and just went about her business as Joseph's betrothed.

Hearing God's voice in the stillness of our own hearts is a promise we have if we truly seek his face. When we know God is leading us into something it takes courage to take those first few steps toward that journey but eventually our stride meets up with God's pace and we're moving in sync with Him. We find ourselves in the middle of some exciting journey and the world is full of possibilities and opportunities.

But suddenly, when there's a bump in the road and we're thrown off course, a bit dazed and confused, don't we wonder if we were just dreaming? Sitting in the midst of all the confusion, we wonder, "Did God really mean for me to take this road? Was I just talking to myself or was it really God at all?"

I'll admit following God's lead in my life is sometimes like finding my way through a labyrinth while blindfolded. I hear His voice. I'm convinced I'm going in the right direction but I keep hitting a brick wall. But, just like in a labyrinth, if I keep on course, following God's voice I'll eventually succeed in finishing the journey to the end.

Thank goodness for Mary's belief; her faith that the words God spoke to her were true. Where would we all be if Mary hadn't believed to the end?

Like Mary, has God asked you to step out in unspeakable faith toward a journey that seems impossible? Are you in the midst of a faith journey that has hit a few bumps and you're wondering if God's words were really true? Are you questioning God's ability to accomplish great things through you?

Let's take today to reflect on Mary's nine month journey towards Jesus' birth . When we think our journey is rough, when we start to question God's work in our lives let's hang on one more day and walk a little longer on the path guided by his voice. He will accomplish all that he has said. He is God. He is the great I am!

If you've joined me from the Christian Children's Author's blog, welcome!