Mary: Move from Fear to Faith

Blessed is she who has believed that what the 

Lord has said to her will be accomplished.

Luke 1:45

Those who walk closely with the Lord will at times find their paths taking unexpected turns. That is God’s design. He plans our walk with Him to be faith growing. And so, He leads us in directions that challenge us and force dependence upon Him. 

Mary’s path took an unexpected turn when an angel appeared with a message that would change her life forever. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus…The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:31, 35). 

Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s appearance was fear. Her fear then changed to confusion. She was a virgin. How could this be? As the angel explained the child would be of the Holy Spirit, Mary’s fear and confusion turned to faith. Her response: I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said (Luke 1:38). 

What a response! A leap from fear to obedient faith! What is God asking of you today? What will be your response? Perhaps God’s call seems overwhelming. Perhaps you are fearful of inadequacy. Or perhaps you fear change. Mary’s message is clear. Move from fear to faith. Move from the realm of the ordinary to the divine. 

Think of how Mary’s life changed. Yes, she experienced difficulty and heartache, but she also experienced an intimate, growing knowledge of her Lord and Savior. When we move from fear to faith, we will likely experience difficulty and maybe even heartache. But as living vessels of the Lord, the power of the majestic God works in us and through us in awe-inspiring ways. So will you take that first step? Will you move from fear to faith, then from faith to faith?

Lord, fill us, Your servants. Use us for Your delight!    

Jan Burkhart