What did God see in Mary? That he would choose her to mother his son?
For one thing, Mary was a woman who would cooperate with God. And with the important people in her life. Mary knew the greater honor would go to someone else: Jesus, her son. She chose to cooperate with God to accept her assigned place. She first cooperated with the angel Gabriel who appeared to her.
But as soon as the Lord spoke to Joseph through dreams and angels, Mary accepted his lead too. She cooperated with God through her husband. She didn’t let spiritual pride put him down because she believed long before Joseph did. After all, she was to carry the child, her genes a part of Jesus’ humanity.
But when Joseph finally agreed what Mary claimed was true, she forgave him his former unbelief. When Joseph said God told him they should escape to Egypt, she went with him and no complaints. Later, when Joseph said, “Let’s return to Israel,” she agreed. She didn’t resent the fact she wasn’t the main go-between in the family for God’s directions anymore.
Margaret’s Story
Reminds me of friend Margaret, a busy woman who did some part of most every activity available in the church. In addition, she considered herself the spiritual leader of their family since her husband didn’t attend church at all.
Then he became a believer in Jesus Christ. A few weeks later her husband asked her to quit everything. “Stay home and be my wife.”
She balked. How could he dare say such a thing? He doesn’t understand spiritual gifts and how the church works. She’d always been a nervous person with a lot of physical distresses. So, she consulted her doctor. “Tell my husband I must keep active.”
He answered, “Your husband may save you from a complete physical and mental breakdown. I advise at least six months of complete rest.”
After that, Margaret began to cooperate, to trust the word of the Lord through her newly saved husband.
Janet Chester Bly
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What is the one next thing God wants you to do? In what way can you most cooperate with him? If you don’t know, ask him. What are the people around you affirming as his nudge for you?
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Other Mary blog posts:
Let’s Sing the Song of Mary: https://www.blybooks.com/2013/12/song-of-mary/
Mary the Deep Thinker: https://www.blybooks.com/2013/12/deep-thinker/
Words to Live By For Women by Janet Chester Bly. Unlock the power of sixty different words to change your life. Words like commitment and compromise to guide you in the best ways to cooperate with God and the important people around you. Keys to becoming the woman you’re meant to be. BUY NOW!
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