Have you ever made the statement, “if I knew things were going to turn out like that I would have done them differently”?
In our finite thinking, we can be tempted to second guess ourselves. No matter how long we trouble shoot a situation or try to figure in every variable there’s always a place when knowledge fails and faith steps in.
“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV
“ Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV
“Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire. 5 Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help.” Psalm 37:4-5 CEV
There have been so many times that I have failed to follow the Lord’s instruction. Oh, I have prayed about a situation and asked for wisdom but when it seemed impractical or illogical I have ended up doing my own thing and failed miserably. However, when I have trusted the Lord and followed His leading, not depending on my own knowledge, He has directed me to a good end.
I wonder if there was any of this silent debate in Mary’s thought process when the angel came to her and told her she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. The account in Scripture doesn’t show any hesitation. In fact, it says that she told the angel “let it be done to me as you said”.
Her life was radically changed. She was an unwed mother. She could have been rejected by her fiancé; shamed, opened to public ridicule or even stoned.
Mary, did you know?
As a young Jewess she knew the Scriptures. She knew the Messiah was prophesied to be born of a virgin but would her family and the people in her town acknowledge that she was the one?
Mary, did you know?
“Here is a message for all who are weak, trembling, and worried: 4 “Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you.” 5 The blind will see, and the ears of the deaf will be healed. 6 Those who were lame will leap around like deer; tongues once silent will begin to shout. Water will rush through the desert.” Isaiah 35:3-6 CEV
These Scriptures were written hundreds of years before Christ was born. They tell of His life and His mission. Was Mary aware of all that her Son would accomplish? Did she know He would change history? I believe she did.
I don’t think she knew how it would all come about but I believe she trusted the Lord, her God, with her very life and so she committed to follow His path regardless of the cost.
Mary Did You Know written by Mark Lowry
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God
Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the Great I Am
Oh Mary did you know?
Is the Lord asking us to do something and we’re just not sure how it will turn out? The very best response we can have is to trust and follow! He will direct our paths.