I am the Lord’s Servant

Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

I took a detour this past weekend. Returning to Pocatello from Rexburg via I-15 became impossible when the interstate was closed by a multi-car accident. My trusty navigation app provided me with flawless directions. I arrived home a little later than I had originally planned. If only life had an app to guide us in the right direction and to the right decisions.

            The Bible is filled with many enthralling examples of deeply rooted faith guiding people in their lives. In many of these cases, there was a drastic change in course to lives when the decision was made to follow the will of God.  In Luke 1 we have an example where the Lord has spoken to Mary through the angel Gabriel. And the Lord has given Mary word that He desires her to make a drastic change in the course of her life. And how does Mary respond to this direction? “I am the Lord’s servant, May your word to me be fulfilled.” Talk about faith in action! My thought in all this is Mary was close to the Lord in prayer and His voice was familiar to her. I am left with the impression that in spite of the magnitude of the change directed, Mary was comfortable in trusting in the Lord. What do you think?

            Are you following the will of God in your own life? This is a good question to periodically ask. Picking a specific time of year is good in order to build this into our annual routine. The beginning of the New Year of the church calendar is a great time. It can serve as a subtle reminder.  When you ask yourself this all-important question, please consider doing so prayerfully. Seeking the guidance of the Lord in what He wants in your life is essential.  It’s better to know what is asked of us than to guess what might be wanted.  Staying close to the Lord in prayer helps us to be familiar with His voice. It is just like listening to direction in our everyday lives. Being told to take a detour from a Idaho Department of Transportation worker is much more credible than some Joe Schmoe off the street.  Trust in the Lord always in our lives. Follow the will of the Lord in all that we do. Good words to live by.

PRAYER: Almighty God, we go about our lives seeking to fulfill Your will. Help us dear Lord to see the path You wish us to follow. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit to have the faith to endure and persevere. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.