Come as You Are: A Journey With Jesus for WomenSample

Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38 is one of the most remarkable moments of faith in the Bible. She was an ordinary young woman living in Nazareth when she received an extraordinary message: she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God. Understandably, Mary was confused and troubled. She knew it was physically impossible for a virgin to become pregnant. But Gabriel reassured her with a powerful truth: “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

Mary’s response to this divine announcement is what makes her story so impactful. Despite her fear, uncertainty, and the overwhelming implications of this news, she responded in faith: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Instead of resisting or doubting, Mary surrendered to God’s plan, trusting that He would accomplish the impossible.

Faith in the Face of the Unknown

Think about what Mary was risking by saying "yes" to God. In her culture, being found pregnant before marriage could have led to severe consequences—rejection, disgrace, or even death. She likely wondered:

• What about my future with Joseph?
• What will people think of me?
• How will I handle something so much bigger than me?

Yet, despite all the uncertainties, Mary chose to trust God completely. She believed that if God had called her to this task, He would equip her for it. Her faith reminds us that obedience to God doesn’t require us to have all the answers—it requires us to trust the One who does.

God Still Calls Us to Trust Him

While none of us will be called to carry the Son of God as Mary was, we all face moments when God asks us to step out in faith. Whether it’s making a life-changing decision, facing an uncertain future, or surrendering something we hold dear, we often hesitate. We ask the same questions Mary may have asked:

• What if I fail?
• What if people don’t understand?
• What if I’m not strong enough?

But Mary’s story teaches us an important truth: God doesn’t call us to the possible; He calls us to trust Him in the impossible. If we wait until we have everything figured out, we will never step into the fullness of what He has for us.

The Key to Living by Faith: Relying on the Holy Spirit

The Christian life is not just difficult—it is impossible in our own strength. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). This kind of surrender isn’t something we can do on our own. That’s why God gives us the Holy Spirit—the same Spirit who enabled Mary to conceive Jesus is the one who empowers us to follow Him daily.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:18, “Be filled with the Spirit.” This means allowing God to lead, strengthen, and equip us each day. Just as Mary surrendered to God’s will, we, too, must surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will guide us through whatever He calls us to do.

How Can You Respond Like Mary?

1. Trust God in difficult circumstances. Even when you don’t understand everything, believe that God is working for your good.
2. Be willing to obey. Even if the path ahead seems uncertain, say “yes” to God’s plan for your life.
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit. Don’t try to follow Jesus in your own strength—ask the Holy Spirit to empower you daily.

Just like Mary, we are invited to step into God’s plan with faith. Whatever challenge you are facing today, remember nothing is impossible with God. Will you trust Him?