When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
As I looked back on the incredible ministry opportunities I’d been blessed with – teaching, speaking, and writing – I couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But then, without warning, a cancer diagnosis rocked my world. The doctor’s words still echo in my mind: “Take a year off. You’ll need that to recover from surgery, chemo therapy, and radiation.”
A Time for Reflection
In that moment, my plans were shattered. I was forced to confront a difficult question: How do I respond when my plans are derailed? It was then that I turned to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for inspiration. Her story is a powerful reminder that our plans are not always God’s plans.
A Lesson from Mary
Mary’s life was turned upside down when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she would bear a son – the Son of God. Her response is a model for us all: “I am the LORD’s servant,” she said. “And I am willing to accept whatever he wants.” Mary’s obedience was not about avoiding the potential risks and consequences; it was about embracing God’s will, no matter the cost.
The Risk of Obedience
Mary’s decision to obey God came with a price. She risked losing everything she valued in life: her reputation, her relationship with Joseph, even her very life. Yet, she chose to focus on the privilege of being chosen by God, rather than the pain. Her obedience was an act of courage and humility, a declaration that she was willing to surrender her agenda to God’s.
Finding Joy in Surrender
As I navigate my own unexpected detour, I am reminded that obedience is not about avoiding unpleasant consequences; it’s about discovering God’s will and surrendering to it. It takes courage and humility to say, “I am the LORD’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants.” But what joy and peace come with surrender! Mary’s obedience has inspired generations for over two thousand years. Who knows what far-reaching results our own obedience might have?
Roots of Trust
In this season of uncertainty, I am learning to trust God even when I don’t understand. I am digging deeper into His character and His Word, seeking to put my roots deeper into the soil of faith. It’s a journey of discovery, of learning to act in complete dependence upon Him. And it’s a journey that begins with a simple yet profound declaration: “I am the LORD’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants.”
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