This time of the year, the first couple of chapters in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are addressed like no other time of the year.  This is the time of the year that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Luke 1:26-38, the story of Christ’s conception and birth is recorded.  The message of the angel Gabriel is amazing to say the least.  Mary’s faith is just as amazing.  Only a faith given by God could prepare someone for the events that were to  take place in Mary’s life as well as that of Joseph’s.  The key for any believer’s success is to understand the submissive statement of surrender “Behold, the maidservant of the Lord.”

Mary’s confession of trust and belief is in the face of what seems impossible, but with God, nothing is impossible.  Did Mary know all the details?  No, she didn’t.  She knew enough about the event to ponder.  She knew enough about God to meditate on His Word and wait on His will.  Later in the chapter, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, confirms Mary’s trust by saying, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

For every believer it is the same as it was for Mary.  The key is found in her willingness to submit her plans and surrender her will to God.  The believer who desires to please God and be used by Him, must surrender his or her will for His purposes even if the events seem impossible.  Along with Mary, we must be willing to say, “Behold, the maidservant of the Lord.”