josh whitehead

Last night during group we began a study on characters of the Christmas story with Mary, Jesus’ mother. Mary was from a small town, she was young, but she was chosen by God as an instrument for His purpose and plan in the world. As we studied tonight, this part of the passage overwhelmed me:

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38, NASB

Why did it overwhelm me? At first, I thought that the visit of an angel would make it so easy to reply, “God, use me.” BUT, all that she received was an angel when God was telling her that her whole life was wrecked. She was going to be pregnant. She was engaged (and he was not the husband). She had to tell her fiance. She had to tell her parents. And all she got was an angel?

It’s no different for me. I’ve never seen an angel, but I have experienced the clear voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. He is telling me to do something or to change something. And His voice is so clear. But I don’t want to change. Or, I am afraid to accept His purpose and plan. Yet still, His voice is more clear than if an angel was standing in the room. Have you heard His voice that clearly?

God has given us the Holy Spirit – He’s better than angels. But, His leading only helps us when we obey. God, please give me a heart that responds by saying,

May it be done to me according to your word.