Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

When the angel Gabriel told Mary she was going to give birth to the King of Israel, her first reaction was, “How can this be since I do not know a man?” Hers was a common faith lapse; questioning not what God will do, but how He could do it—as though there were anything too difficult for God!

But once Gabriel explained how a virgin could have a child, Mary’s second reaction is one of great faith and submission. “Whatever You say, Lord!” From this I get two bits of encouragement.

First, failing to perceive that nothing is impossible for God is not the end of the world. He is powerful to do anything, including bearing with me and my weak faith and simple understanding.

Second, once I get over my initial faith meltdown, the right response to everything God says is humble submission, knowing that whatever God wills is the absolute best possible for me, even if it is going to be scary.

May I remember these things as You unfold Your plans for my life, Lord.