Baptist Press
By Tom Stolle, posted December 6, 2024
Imagine Mary’s surprise when Gabriel appeared, announcing she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This wasn’t an ordinary announcement; it was life-altering. Gabriel revealed that her child would be “the Son of the Most High” and that His Kingdom would never end. Naturally, Mary had questions.
“How will this be, since I am a virgin?” she asked. A fair question, given the circumstances. Gabriel’s response was equally extraordinary: this miraculous conception would happen through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, to underscore God’s limitless power, Gabriel shared another miracle — Mary’s relative Elizabeth, once barren, was also expecting a child.
The angel’s declaration resounded:
Are you ready to trust God with everything?
The news Mary received seemed humanly impossible, yet God was at work. Her story reminds us that when God calls us, He equips us no matter how improbable the task may seem.
Choosing to trust
Mary faced a choice: to trust God or to retreat in fear. She chose faith, responding in Luke 1:38, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Her decision wasn’t without risk:
- Her relationship was at risk. Telling Joseph she was pregnant — by the Holy Spirit — must have felt daunting. Who would believe her? Yet Mary trusted God to intervene, and He did. God sent an angel to Joseph, preserving their relationship.
- Her reputation was at risk. Mary understood that many wouldn’t believe her story. Yet she wasn’t consumed by others’ opinions. She trusted God’s purpose, declaring that “all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).
- Her life was at risk. Under Jewish law, Mary could have been subjected to stoning for being pregnant outside of marriage (betrothed). Yet she boldly placed her life in God’s hands. (Deut.2:23-24)
Through it all, Mary exemplified courage and faith, believing that nothing is impossible with God. More Here
