A Lost Virtue
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”~Luke 1:38~
Mary was a young girl who had never been married and yet was met by an angel who tells her that God considered her highly favored, and that she would be the one to become pregnant, carry, and deliver God’s Son. Wow! Think for a minute what your response might be to that bit of news! What is your response when anything blindsides you? Question? Doubt? How to fix this and get relief from any negative results that could come from it, as soon as possible?!
And yet Mary simply says that she is God’s servant and that she hopes the words spoken to her by the angel will happen. That is amazing. To be so young and to have answered with such maturity, absolutely shows a young woman of great virtue. How humbling of Mary to receive whatever the Lord gives her without complaint or grumbling, worry, or angst. How trusting she was to receive this message and be okay with it actually happening. For the next 9 months, Mary would be questioned, ridiculed,and rejected because she was so misunderstood by so many who refused to believe her story. And yet, she remained “the Lord’s servant”. She received what He gave her because she trusted Him so.
My Bible translation says, "I am the Lord's servant; may it be unto me as You have said."
This kind of heart is called "meekness" in the Bible. Meekness toward God is a disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the Old Testament, the meek were those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His people, and that He will deliver His people in His time. Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The meek person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit; not of human will.
Wow. When was the last time you heard a sermon on meekness? Talk about a lot virtue that Jesus said we'd be blessed if we had!!! Could it be, perhaps, that God desires His people to walk in meekness during this season? Can we be steadfast and immoveable about God's goodness and Sovereignty?
When “life” blindsides you, and you face the difficulties of being misunderstood, or your integrity and morality are being held in question, can you respond as Mary? Can you accept what happens humbly, trusting in your loving Father, who is always faithful? And even in the waiting, can you find the joy of waking up each morning knowing God has a plan and is working on your behalf?
Holy Spirit, help us to become women of Meekness.
love you ladies, jena