Obedience Through Confusion and Fear

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 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.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:29-38

Can you imagine the look on Mary’s face? It must have been telling because the angel quickly says not to be afraid and then follows it with she has found favor with God. The angel continues with some news that would be confusing and create fear. Mary will become pregnant as a virgin and have the Son of God. I love how Mary asks the question, how will this happen since I am a virgin? I do not know about you, but I would probably ask more questions. After Mary receives a response without hesitations, she commits to something that will significantly impact her life.

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

Even though she was confused and fearful, we see Mary's obedience, but the Holy Spirit came over her and gave her peace. I am amazed at Mary, and it speaks volumes to why she was the chosen one to conceive the Messiah, Savior of the World. As a teenager, she understood the importance of obedience and followed through with an important task. Mary was blessed, but she would find great joy and sorrow due to her obedience. She will hold the Son of God in her hands and later watch him suffer on the cross. I want to have the same response that Mary had in verse 38 when God gives me a task. I want to be obedient, even if it comes with confusion and fear.

Pastor Kendra Scott