We all handle change differently. When the unexpected comes, I immediately want to resist it. I fear change will bring worse instead of better. Change comes with unknown variables, making it easier to say no than yes. But living life this way is not God’s design.
I am sure Mary thought it was another typical day until the angel came and changed everything. I imagine she had questions yet chose to move forward with faith. She probably had other plans, but she let her plans go and quickly accepted God’s. Mary went along with the angel’s surprise because she knew God was at the center of it.
I find these stories in the Bible filled with encouragement and hope as I face trials and work to live a Christian life. Mary reminds us that we have a purpose, but God has the plan. She shows us that God requires obedience and next-level faith for His big and better plans. We don’t have all the answers, but God calls us to advance with faith. Mary’s story impacts us all and displays how we find God’s power in our ability to surrender to Him.
This life is a gift, but we aren’t the ones in charge. That idea is so unpopular, but it is essential to know so we remember to stay open to what God is teaching us and remain moldable to the good work He is doing. Making plans is okay, but we can’t leave God out. We must stay flexible so that if He calls us to a new place, we will say yes, knowing that wherever God guides, He will certainly provide.
God has big plans for your life. Seek Him. Keep confident that He will see those plans through. Satan will try to stand in the way. You must not let Satan bend your ear when the Holy Spirit is speaking directly to your heart. Instead of standing in the way of God’s plans, dare to stand down to Him and watch what He does next. Sometimes, we must let go to let God. Mary did. Will you?
Diane Ohlson was born and raised in the Midwest and has claimed Kansas City as home for the past thirteen years where she lives with her husband and three children. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Social Work and a minor in psychology. Her passion for helping people has allowed her to serve in the healthcare industry for the past twenty-two years. She believes God is calling her to open up and share her faith through writing to encourage others along on their journey with Jesus.