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. She wondered how this could be, but the Angel responded:

For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)

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:

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

The word bondslave denotes one who is totally surrendered and absolutely devoted to her Lord. God can do a mighty work through a willing servant. We may have a tendency to think that if we’re doing God’s, then life will be easy. Mary knew that she was embarking upon a difficult path, but she also knew that God would be with her.

When we encounter difficulties and discouragement from the world, we have several pathways we may choose. We may demonstrate denial and seek to protect our emotions through repression or suppression. Another response may be anger directed at God as we exclaim, “How could you allow me to be in this situation?” Mary however, responded with trust and humble submission. She chose to believe God’s promise for her.

Do you see yourself as a bondslave of the Lord? We must realize that our identity determines our destiny. We are to submit to God so that we can achieve victory in the spiritual battle:

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

A bondslave is one who responds to God’s word with radical obedience. When we understand our true identity in Christ, then we will respond accordingly. Some people hear God’s word but it doesn’t take root. Satan comes and takes away the truth before it can penetrate our heart. Other people may hear and receive the God’s word with great joy, but when affliction or persecution arises, they fall away because there is no firm root. We must also recognize that the worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and worldly desires can choke out the truth of God’s word. Mary however, demonstrated total submission to God and His word brought forth much fruit in her life.

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.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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