Mary: A Dream Beyond the Impossible

Getting married and building a happy family is the dream of many people. That was also Mary's dream, a young girl living in Nazareth, Galilee. Yet an unexpected situation came into her life just as she was about to build a home in marriage with Joseph: Mary had to become the mother of the Savior.

Are you facing a difficult situation that makes you unsure of God's presence with you? Let us learn from the way Mary responded to a situation that was not easy.

Mary's Dream vs. God's Dream

Her wedding date had been set. Mary's happy day was only a matter of days away. She was going to marry the man of her dreams, Joseph. But that day, Mary was startled by the presence of the angel Gabriel in her home.

In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, from the house of David; the virgin's name was Mary. When the angel came into Mary's house, he said: “Greetings, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you.” – Luke 1:26-28 

Before Mary's astonishment had even passed, the angel Gabriel continued speaking:

"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Truly, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. – Luke 1:30-31 

Shock. That is what Mary felt when she heard Gabriel's words. Had she heard wrong? She had found favor? What kind of favor? She would conceive, even though she was not even married yet! 

Question after question swirled in Mary's mind (Luke 1:34). What about her beautiful dream with Joseph? What would the neighbors, acquaintances, and relatives say? Her family would surely lose face and regard her as a disgrace. What would her future husband say? What if Joseph accused her of being unfaithful and immoral, even hated her because he thought she had not been faithful? What if Joseph called off their wedding and left her? 

Fear flooded Mary's heart as she faced a difficult choice. Which dream should she pursue? Her personal dream or God's dream for her life? Should she let go of her dream and allow her plans for life to fall apart? 

Like Mary, there are times when we are faced with difficult choices. Dreams of ours or God's dream for our lives, which should we prioritize?

Nothing Is Impossible for God

The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child you will bear will be called holy, the Son of God. – Luke 1:35a

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37 

The angel Gabriel never said that by giving birth to the Son of God, all of Mary's problems would disappear and everything would be fine. He said that the Holy Spirit would be with Mary, the power of the Lord would overshadow her, because nothing is impossible for God. 

Gabriel's words made Mary realize that what seemed impossible would not be impossible for the Lord. Even more, the Holy Spirit and the power of the Lord Himself would overshadow her. Besides that, Mary would conceive the Son of God; was that not an honor?

If the Lord wills it, who is able to hinder Him? If it is the Lord who plans it, is anything impossible? He who begins it will also bring it to completion for us.

When a situation seems impossible to get through, do you keep trusting in the Lord? Or do you keep holding on to your limited way of thinking and perspective? 

God, who is full of power, is able to do whatever He wills. Following His plan is the best choice, even when it does not seem easy and there are many challenges. Yet with God, you will witness His marvelous work, a masterpiece in your life. 

“Let It Be According to Your Will”

After receiving the angel Gabriel's message, Mary immediately bowed down and said, “I am the Lord's servant; let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).”

Mary had a servant's heart. This is what made her God's chosen instrument to bring about the plan for the birth of the Savior of mankind. Mary was humble and full of faith, so she understood her position before God. She was willing to let go of her personal interests, all her dreams and plans, for God's dream and plan for her life. 

After Gabriel left, perhaps Mary was still stunned for a while; her heart was pounding, her feelings mixed. Yet Mary had made up her mind that whatever happened, she would still trust in the Lord, even if she had to face bad possibilities in the future.

Do you have a heart like Mary's heart? Will you keep believing when everything you want does not become reality? Uncertain job status because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Income that has dropped drastically. A life partner who still has not shown up. Health that is beginning to decline, and many more challenges of life that we experience.

Let us learn to respond like Mary, who confidently, full of faith, and humbly said, “Let it be according to Your will.” 

Then Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant. Truly, from now on all generations will call me blessed… – Luke 1:46-49

In the end, Mary is recorded in history as an example of how God used a woman for a spectacular plan of salvation. Women, God can also use you as He used Moses, David, Peter, and Paul. So keep believing!

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Related Articles:

• The Shepherds and the Moments of Jesus' Birth
• Is It Wrong to Celebrate a Beautiful Christmas?
• Searching for Baby Jesus: Am I One of the Magi or King Herod? (Part 1)
• Searching for Baby Jesus: Am I One of the Magi or King Herod? (Part 2)

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