Blessed Is She Who Has Believed

Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! Luke 1:45 NIV

Can you imagine what it would be like to have a spirit-being show up in your room? It would be even more unnerving to have him speak to you! What if he said “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” (Luke 1:28 Message) Well, that is EXACTLY what happened to Mary, mother of Jesus! Is it any wonder that Mary was “thoroughly shaken”? The Bible, no matter what translation you read, makes no mention of Mary screaming or fainting or losing control of her bodily functions. Nothing! It just says she was “greatly troubled” or “thoroughly shaken”. Yes, I think I would have had that response including a LOUD reaction.

Mary must have at least looked scared because the angel, Gabriel, said, “Do not be afraid”. To my knowledge, I have never met an angel face to face but I have the feeling, once you get past the sudden appearance, there would be great peace in their presence. That is the reason I think it was possible for Mary to believe the things Gabriel told her. “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest’. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever- no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

Mary’s only question was “How?” She didn’t ask “why” or “are you sure you have the right house?” She didn’t even ask “When?” Her only question was “How?” Gabriel explained God’s plan of supernatural conception; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God”. (Luke 1:35 MSG) Her response was “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38 MSG)

There are things God has spoken into my life; assignments, dreams, purpose; that have been difficult for me to accept. My questions are not only “how?” but also “Did I hear you correctly?” and “Are you sure I’m the one?” Its unfortunate there have been no angelic visits with an announcement and explanation but there has been confirmation through scripture and friends. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

Mary’s faith was demonstrated in her ability to only ask “How?” It was a question that asked, “What do you need me to do to make this happen?” There was no hint of “are you kidding me?” or doubt. Once she understood God had a plan to make it happen she was ready to go. Gabriel encouraged her faith by telling her of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy “in her old age”. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)

Mary may have also remembered the story of Abraham and Sarah who became the parents of the child that began the lineage of “many nations” promised to them. “Without weakening in his faith, he (Abraham) faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:19-21) Abraham’s faith “was credited to him as righteousness.” Because it was true faith, complete confidence in God’s promise. (Romans 4:22)
In today’s world, people who have that kind of faith are thought of as “kooks”, eccentrics or weak-minded. In reality, that kind of faith – faith that believes God will do every thing He said He would – requires great strength and confidence.

Abraham was credited with righteousness and Mary was called blessed by all generations (Luke 1:48) because they believed that the Lord would do everything He said He would. Lord, help me be the “who” and let You worry about the how, what, when, where, and why!

Luke 1:45 “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” NLT
Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” spoken to Abraham & Sarah
Job 42:2 “I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” - Job
Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” - Jeremiah
Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” - Jesus
Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Jesus