REGARDLESS

Luke 1:26-38 describes the meeting between Gabriel, the archangel who stands in the presence of God, whose name means “Hero of God”, and Mary, the humble peasant girl God sent him to visit. We all know the amazing truth that the GOD OF ALL chose to become flesh and dwell among men, my point here is to look at Mary’s submission to God’s will. “How will this be since I am a virgin”? Notice the lack of doubt in these words, only wonder at how Gabriel’s words would be fulfilled – the mechanics of the miracle was all Mary questioned, not the message or the miracle itself. “Let it be to me according to your word.” God’s word is His will so in essence Mary was praying “Let it be to me according to your will.” The honor bestow on Mary was staggering, but the responsibility was overwhelming. Mary’s submission to God’s will was at great personal cost for at worse she could be stoned to death, at best she would be ridiculed and she could forget about her reputation and whatever dreams she held as a young Jewish girl on the threshold of marriage, family and a normal life. Gone forever was “normal.” She risk it all as she willingly stepped into God’s mysterious life changing will. Listen to Ken Gire’s take on Mary’s courage: “Her faith was courageous. We know that because her decision was quick, and her obedience complete. She would submit to God. Regardless of the questions it would raise. Or the eyebrows. Regardless of the cost. Or the consequences. Regardless if it meant losing her reputation. Or the man she loved. Even her life. And maybe, of all the favorable qualities this young woman had, maybe it was this “Regardless” quality that made her most suited to the task of raising such a wonderful promise. For “Regardless” had to be a quality that was instinctive if promise were ever to grow up and reach fulfillment as Savior of the world.” There is much we can learn from Mary: “Lord, I am your servant. May it be to me as You will... Regardless.” This prayer opens the windows of heaven and tickles our Daddy’s heart. This is more than a model of how to pray, it is a model of how to live heart to heart with the Father.

LIVING HEART   TO HEART WITH GOD