And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” Luke 1:46-48
Mary’s story fascinates me. A young woman chosen by God to bear the Messiah. When the angel came to her, she responded: “ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ ” (Luke 1:38). It wasn’t until she went to visit Elizabeth and heard that Elizabeth was pregnant – something everyone thought was impossible – that she realized that what the angel had said to her was true. And that’s when she began to praise God.
Mary’s reaction is incredibly real to me. I can hear her doubt. I can relate to her doubt. She needed proof in order to really believe it was true. How many times have I not truly believed until I had proof?
Here’s the thing though: God doesn’t always give us proof. That’s where faith comes into play. I have to believe in God. I have to believe that He loves me and wants what is best for me. I can’t sit back and wait for Him to hand deliver what I think I want and need. I have to take that leap of faith. Remember that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?
That’s the real moment. That’s the real test.
Can you trust God enough to leap? I struggle even though I’ve taken leaps of faith and been joyfully rewarded. Even though I’ve NOT taken those leaps of faith and found myself stagnating in unhappy situations out of fear, it’s still so hard to take that first step.
I believe with all my heart and soul that God wants us to be happy. His love for us is profound and amazing. He calls us out of our fear to His light. Stop listening to your fears, my friends. Listen to His call and trust Him. Let him guide the way. That’s what I’m trying to do every moment. To trust Him completely, even when I don’t know the way and don’t know where I’ll end up. God loves me and that’s all I need to focus on when I’m surrounded by darkness. If I’m quiet and listen, I can hear God’s call. And take that first trembling fear-filled step towards His light.
I can take that leap of faith. Will you join me?
~