Faith, Obedience, and the Impossible

“‘And, behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus’ … And Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you … For nothing will be impossible with God.'” Luke 1:31, 34-35, 37, NASB

“Okay, God, I really don’t see how this is going to happen.”

Have you ever thought like that? Unfortunately I have many times. Directing my steps, God reveals His will and calls me to obey. No discussion necessary–if God has opened a door to serve Him, surely He’ll provide everything needed for me to walk through. Theoretically I know this truth, but honestly I sometimes balk in the process. Obedience becomes particularly challenging when my faith falters.

Pondering Mary’s story imbues me with hope. Consider this: an angel appears to an unwed teenager, telling her she’s going to conceive and bear a son. She patiently listens, then innocently inquires, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Promptly the angel informs her that the Holy Spirit and the power of the Most High will create life within her.

“Okay, God, I still don’t see how this is going to happen.”

If I’d been Mary, that thought likely would have flitted through my mind upon hearing the angel’s confident response. Because really, had a child ever been conceived by the Holy Spirit? Had anyone ever even heard of that?

Praise God Mary possessed extraordinary faith, which encouraged her prompt obedience. Calmly she accepted God’s call upon her life–including His means of bringing it to pass. He didn’t grant her the option of telling Him how to orchestrate the details. Simply speaking, God Most High required faith and obedience from Mary. He would accomplish the rest.

God has opened a ministry door for me … yet I have to walk through. It looks nearly impossible. I’ve wished it away. Still it remains. Though I’d prefer orchestrating all the details, I realize that’s God’s job, not mine. Just as Mary respectfully trusted and obeyed, I hear God calling me to the same. Excitedly I surrender, knowing God accomplishes tremendous things when we yield to Him.

God graciously, generously gave us Jesus, the Savior of the world, through His humble servant Mary. Beautifully her faith and obedience worked together, shaping God’s desired entrance for His beloved Son into this world. Assuredly Mary knew: God had opened a door for her to serve Him … certainly He’d provide everything needed for her to walk through. And He did.

Absolutely NOTHING is impossible with God.

Dear friend, in what situation is God calling you to trust and obey?

 “… Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”      Isaiah 46:11

photo credit: Loving Earth via photopin cc

4 thoughts on “Faith, Obedience, and the Impossible

  1. Dear Emily,
    Bravo!!!!!!! This was beautifully written! I never get tired of hearing about our Lord;s
    birth or about how amazing his mother Mary was. That is really all the God wants from us is to Trust and Obey him. When I was growing up in my family church back home, we sang an ole hymn, Trust and Obey. I will never forget singing those words!! You asked a reflection question what is God calling us to trust and obey. For me, it is everyday life stuff. Being a homemaker and Nanny for a family
    God has placed me in a position where everything that I have comes from him. It really has taught me about control too!!! Thank you for your encouraging messages. Merry Christmas, Melissa

    1. Dear Melissa,

      I remember the same beautiful hymn. 🙂 Thanks once again for sharing your thoughts ~ may our Lord continue to guide and encourage you through the everyday stuff. He is with us!

      Christmas Joy & Peace to you with love,
      Emily

  2. Emily,
    What great timing God has for this to be shared today. I have been overwhelmed with homeschool as it is my first year. God definitely called me to it, but my faith has waivered many times. Today’s blog has been such a great encouragement to live in faith that God will accomplish this through me! Thank you for being a faithful servant. ~Andrea

    1. Dear Andrea,

      Thank you for sharing how the Lord used this post to encourage you ~ His kindness in speaking to us right where we’re at is such a treasure. Surely He will continue to lead you every step of the way as you obey His calling. And maybe it will encourage you to know that homeschooling has felt incredibly overwhelming to me many times! It still isn’t my strength, but God is faithful!

      In Christ’s Love,
      Emily

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