By Pat
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31). "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)
In looking at the world around us and the things we normally associate with prestige and honor, it's very easy to feel that we are ill-equipped to make a difference in the world, and serve God in a big way. Thankfully, God feels differently.
The only criteria God requires for us to be of service to Him in any capacity, large or small, is a willing and obedient heart. Mary, Jesus' mother, certainly didn't have wealth or power. She was a common girl living a quiet and ordinary life, and yet God chose her for the most high honor imaginable; to give birth to and raise the Son of God. She had enough trust to realize that if God selected her for this holy task, he would certainly provide the necessary means to carry it out successfully. God chose Mary because of her humble and willing heart.
I doubt that I would have been so quick to agree so readily to walk Mary's path. I rather think I would have argued that I can't, and point out that the whole thing is way over me and should be carried out by someone more equipped to handle the job; someone "better." I would probably even given God suggestions as to who might be a better choice than me! Yes, I am very good at that... dwelling on the impossible rather than the possible. I forget that with God, ALL things are possible.
Too often we neglect to serve God as completely as we can because we see ourselves through our own eyes, not God's. The only thing God wants is our desire and willingness to trust and obey, and to believe that God knows our capabilities much better than we do. Great things can only be accomplished if we are ready to change our "I can'ts" into "I wills!"
"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.