Devotional
Imagine being the very first person in history to hear the name of Jesus spoken in connection with the Messiah. That incredible honor belonged to Mary, a young woman from Nazareth. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she became the first person to receive the gospel message – that God was sending His Son to save the world. What strikes me about Mary’s response is how quietly she received this earth-shattering news. There were no fireworks, no dramatic celebration – just a simple “Let it be unto me according to your word.” Sometimes we expect our spiritual moments to be filled with overwhelming emotion or dramatic signs, but Mary’s story reminds us that God often works in the quiet places of our hearts. Mary’s initial response teaches us that understanding God’s work in our lives doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes the most profound spiritual truths settle into our hearts like gentle rain, slowly soaking in until they transform us from the inside out. Her quiet acceptance wasn’t a lack of faith – it was the beginning of a journey that would unfold in beautiful ways. Just as Mary was chosen to be the first to hear Jesus’ name, each of us has been chosen to carry His message forward. We may not always feel the weight of that calling, and our response might feel ordinary rather than extraordinary. But God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and He’s still speaking His truth into hearts today.
Bible Verse
‘At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea’ – Luke 1:39
Reflection Question
When God speaks something significant into your life, do you expect it to come with dramatic signs, or are you open to His quiet, gentle voice?
Prayer
Lord, help me to have Mary’s heart of quiet acceptance when You speak to me. Give me ears to hear Your voice, whether it comes with thunder or in a whisper. Thank You for choosing me to be part of Your story.