Embracing Servanthood

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

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

The Bible is filled with the stories of those who needed to trust the Lord and not rely on their own understanding in their own circumstances. Moses, Jonah, Job, and Esther to name a few…

During this season of Christmas while we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we look at how Mary needed to fully and completely trust in the Lord.  She was told she would give birth to the son of God by the angel Gabriel, and understandably, she could not fathom how she would conceive as a virgin. Fully relying on the Lord’s plan and trusting that He was in control, Mary responded with a servant’s heart.

Despite the mystery of what was happening and what she did not understand, she submitted to the will of God, without fully knowing how things would work out. That must have been such a fearful time, especially during a time when women becoming pregnant outside of marriage was worthy of death by stoning. But Mary heeded Gabriel’s words to not fear and to remember that no word from God will ever fail. And, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled”.  Isn’t that the very purpose of our lives? To submit and release control to God, to trust that He is the author of our lives, and to seek Him first and fully rely on Him to provide. Mary’s servanthood is such an example that speaks to how resting in God instead of wrestling with God is always the answer.

Dear Lord,
Help me to trust in you, even when I don’t fully understand my circumstances. Let me have a servant’s heart so that when things aren’t going according to my plans, may I fully trust in You and Your plans. Let your will be done in my life, Lord of all. May I rely on Your wisdom and seek You in all things. May I follow you as you set the path straight before me. May I hear your voice and follow your calling on my life. Help me to look to you for guidance, direction, hope, and courage. And help me to not fear but put my faith in You always.

Amen.