As we enter into the season of advent, the time we anticipate and celebrate the birth of our Savior, I find myself pondering Mary.
Mary was met by the angel Gabriel and told that she would be with child. Here is Mary’s reply: “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
The days that followed would be filled with persecution, questioning, gossip, judgement, and rejection. And yet, we never read anything about Mary complaining. She and Joseph have to go to Bethlehem in her last trimester. Can you just imagine riding on a donkey and walking in your last trimester? Can you imagine the packing, the traveling on rocky and rough roads, the uncomfortable-ness and pain of giving birth in a STABLE? And yet, it was never noted a word of complaint. Just her humble response “be it unto me according to your word.”
This is the essence of REST. Rest is not the absence of busyness, nor the lack of chaos, persecution or pain. Rest is being fully convinced that God loves you and is in control, even when things FEEL out of control. Rest is peacefully yielding to whatever God wants because you trust His deep love for you. It’s the “peace that passes all understanding”. It’s the “knowing what God said” to the point that you keep moving forward no matter what comes your way, because you are so sure of Him.
Rest is peacefully yielding to whatever God wants because you trust His deep love for you.
Mary had it. She lived from a place of REST. She lived in such humble submission to God, because she was so convinced of His love for her.
Are you convinced that God loves you? Are you so convinced that you would yield yourself to whatever He has for you? Even if it means enduring a lot to get there?
May we live from a place of rest, like Mary. May we be able to say, “Whatever you have planned for me is exactly what I want. I trust You and Your love for me.”
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