"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on 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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

The angel delivered unbelievable news. Mary was going to have a baby! Her response was expected. "How will this be," Mary questioned, "since I am a virgin?" Gabriel's explanation was as mysterious as his presence. But his last words drove home the reality of the situation: "For no word from God will ever fail."

 

"I am the Lord's servant," is Mary's statement of surrender. She was the first person to accept Jesus on his terms. Her engagement with the man she loved would be in jeopardy. Those closest to her would not understand her pregnancy. The small town would be filled with rumors. But she trusted God and surrendered to his plan.

 

Many people believe that they can draw up the terms of their relationship with Jesus. But that's not how it works. Everyone who truly wants to follow hard after Jesus must come to a place of surrender. Like Mary, we must say, "I am the Lord's servant. Use me as your instrument in any way you desire."

 

 

For parents: Tell your children a story of when you surrendered to God's plan. We'd love to hear your story of surrender as well. Email us at ronmoore@ronmoore.org.