Qualities of Mary

The person of Mary has forever lived in my mind as the most virtuous women who ever lived. She was handpicked by God to be the mother of His Son, so I guess I always assumed she was as close to perfection on this earth as was possible.  These qualities of Mary caused God to see her as “highly favored.”  It was not her behavior, however, that made her highly favored in God’s eyes.

 

It was her heart.

He didn’t see perfection, but rather, a spirit of obedience and submission to His will in her life.

Mary’s Trust in God

As the angel is delivering his message from God, Mary’s first response was fear, then the uncertainty in how this was going to be accomplished.

I love that we get to see Mary’s initial responses.♥ We all have felt those emotions in situations that seem out of our control.

As the angel Gabriel is explaining to Mary how her pregnancy will happen, he also tells her about her cousin Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. As an explanation, he says “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 KJV

Her response? “I am the Lord’s servant- May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 NIV

God told her what would happen, and she had absolute faith in Him. This humble teenager had a strong relationship with God. Even as a young girl, it seems like she was very familiar with God’s attributes and character. Knowing who He was helped her believe in His power and plan for her life.

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Mary says Yes

This seemingly impossible pregnancy with God’s own Son did not deter Mary from saying “yes”. It might not have seemed ideal, as she wasn’t married yet. It turned the life she thought she was going to have with Joseph upside down. Apparently, he didn’t believe Mary’s story, as he planned to divorce her quietly until an angel intervened.

Would her peers and family members judge her unfairly? Did she tell everyone that she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit? Would they believe her? It didn’t matter- her love for God and her willingness to obey Him led her to her answer.

When she hears that God can make the impossible happen, she is all in. That’s the response I need to remember. It may not be easy, comfortable, or practical, but I need to say “yes” to God.

The angel leaves Mary and she hurried to visit Elizabeth. It gives me a sense of how excited she must have been. I’m sure they had much to talk about!

As Mary arrived, Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting and was “filled with the Holy Spirit.”  She blesses Mary and calls her “the mother of my Lord.”  Before Mary could even tell Elizabeth her wonderful news, she realizes that God is spreading the news. It’s really happening!

God’s Perfect Choice

This was a once in a lifetime event. Jesus was only coming once as a newborn baby. God chose the right person at the right time in the right place. He knew the qualities of Mary and chose her; a poor teenage girl living in a small town. Her humble roots did not matter. All of God’s decisions are perfection.

“How great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33 NLT  Isn’t that comforting? We don’t have to worry that our knowledge, or experience, or timing aren’t perfect. God knows us so well. He has plans for us. He can use us.

We just need to say, “I am the Lord’s servant- May it be to me as you have said.”

Reflection on the Qualities of Mary

How well do you know God’s attributes and character?

If you struggle with trusting God and His plans, seek Him more.  He wants to show Himself to you!

As you think about the Christmas story and Mary, reflect on her absolute faith in God.

Do you truly believe nothing is impossible with God? Are you all in with God?

Reflect on Mary’s spirit of obedience and full acceptance of God’s will in her life.

What areas in your life do you like to keep to yourself vs giving God full control?

Blessings in the season!

AnnMarie

Photo Credit: Pixabay