Today’s Passage: Luke 1:34-38

Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” — Luke 1:34

Mary knew what would happen, but she didn’t know the how.

Gabriel’s explanation does not reveal much you could put your hands on. Basically, the “how” is explained as God will do something you have never seen, heard of, or expected. Something that up to this point you would not just think of as far fetched, but impossible. Then the real mechanics of the “how” is spelled out: “‘For nothing will be impossible with God’” (Luke 1:37).

I wonder if she remembered the stories she heard as a girl. Stories of God’s provision for His people. Of seas parted, manna delivered, and enemies vanquished. The stories of Ruth and Esther. Maybe she thought of the centuries that had passed year after year since anyone heard from that God.

Whatever she thought, it did not slow her down one step. Her heart’s desire spilled out of her mouth, “‘let it be to me according to your word’” (Luke 1:38).

Often not knowing the “how” keeps me from the clear “what.” The clear call to obedience is overwhelmed by my own implicit rejection of the truth.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that you don’t love me based on my faithfulness or obedience. Help me be like young Mary, obedient and confident in You, not myself. In Jesus’s name, amen.