And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Mary was a young teenage girl who was visited by a heavenly messenger bringing an amazing message. She would have a baby by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary had the faith to believe God’s promises. This took a great deal of courage because she was engaged to Joseph. Joseph would have known that the child was not his and she would face the stigma of adultery and unwed motherhood. Mary however, humbly submitted to the will of God – she saw herself as a bondslave of the Lord:

The word bondslave denotes one who is totally surrendered and absolutely devoted to the Lord. God can do a mighty work through a willing servant. Do you see yourself as a bondslave of the Lord? We must realize that our identity determines our destiny.

God’s word may not always make sense to us, but if we see ourselves as His bondslave, then we will respond in obedience. Sometimes our obedience requires courage. Remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of our fear. May we demonstrate the faith and courage of Mary.