Devotional
Mary was likely just a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her with news that would change the world. Her youth wasn’t a disadvantage—it was actually one of her greatest assets. Young hearts tend to be more open, more pliable, more willing to embrace the impossible. As we age, life has a way of hardening us. We become more cautious, more skeptical, more set in our ways. We’ve been disappointed before, so we protect ourselves. We’ve seen plans fail, so we hesitate to dream big. The wonder and possibility that once filled our hearts can slowly give way to cynicism and doubt. But Mary’s youthful heart was wide open to God’s work. When faced with the impossible—a virgin birth—she didn’t let adult skepticism shut down her faith. She asked honest questions, but she remained open to God’s miraculous plan. Regardless of our physical age, we all need young hearts—hearts that are tender, pliable, and eager to see what God might do next. We need to guard against the spiritual hardening that can come with time and disappointment. God is still in the miracle business, still doing fresh works, still calling ordinary people to extraordinary purposes. The question isn’t whether we’re young in years, but whether we’re young in heart. Are we still open to God’s surprises? Are we still willing to believe He can do the impossible?
Bible Verse
‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.’ – Luke 1:34-35
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you become hardened or closed off to what God might want to do, and how can you cultivate a more youthful, open heart?
Quote
“Oh, God, give us a young heart. Our bodies may be old and there may be things failing about the physical, but, oh, God, always give us a young heart open to the work of God.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
God, give me a young heart regardless of my age. Keep me open to Your fresh works and new possibilities. Don’t let disappointment or cynicism close my heart to Your miraculous power. Help me stay tender and pliable in Your hands. Amen.