The Power of a Surrendered Heart
Brethren, praise the Lord! When God looks for someone to change the course of history, He doesn’t search for crowns or titles. He looks for a surrendered heart.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not powerful by the world’s standards – she was powerful because she believed God. She didn’t argue with His plan; she said yes. And that yes echoed through generations. Praise be to God, for through one woman’s faith, the Savior came into the world!
When God’s Word meets a believing heart, miracles happen. That’s what we see in Mary. Her life calls to us: Will you trust God even when His plan interrupts yours? Will you say “Be it unto me according to thy word”? This is not a story of perfection, but of obedience. Let’s walk through her life and see how God’s grace shines through every act of faith.
1. Mary Was Chosen by God for a Holy Purpose
Luke 1:26–28 tells us that the angel Gabriel greeted her, saying she was “highly favoured” and “blessed among women.”
Friends, Mary wasn’t chosen for her wealth, fame, or education. She was chosen because of her humility and faith. God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary plans. Praise the Lord, when you trust Him fully, He can use you mightily – even if no one else notices your name.
2. She Believed the Angel’s Message
Luke 1:31–38 records her encounter with Gabriel. When told she would conceive the Son of God, she didn’t run or reason – she received.
She asked how, but she never doubted if. Then came those immortal words: “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
Thank You, Lord, for showing us that true faith isn’t blind – it’s obedient. Faith says, “God, I don’t see how, but I trust You will.”
3. Mary Rejoiced in God’s Salvation
In Luke 1:46–55, Mary’s soul magnified the Lord. She didn’t boast in herself; she glorified God her Savior.
Her song reveals her heart: she knew Scripture, she understood prophecy, and she rejoiced that God keeps His promises. Praise be to God who lifts the humble and fills the hungry with good things!
4. She Visited and Encouraged Elizabeth
Luke 1:39–45 shows Mary hurrying to share her joy with her cousin Elizabeth. When she greeted her, John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.
Faith always bears witness to faith. Godly fellowship strengthens belief. Praise the Lord for friends who rejoice when you rejoice!
5. She Gave Birth to Jesus in Bethlehem
Luke 2:6–7 tells us she “brought forth her firstborn son” and laid Him in a manger.
There was no comfort, no glory – just straw and starlight. Yet there she held the King of kings. God often hides His greatest works in humble places.
6. She Heard and Treasured the Shepherds’ Testimony
In Luke 2:16–19, Mary heard the shepherds proclaim what the angels had said. She didn’t boast or broadcast; she pondered.
Brethren, faith doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it sits quietly and treasures what God is doing in secret. Thank You, Lord, for teaching us to listen with our hearts.
7. She Obeyed the Law and Dedicated Jesus to the Lord
Luke 2:22–24 says Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to offer the required sacrifice.
Even though she carried the Son of God, she still obeyed God’s commands. Humility doesn’t exempt you from obedience – it perfects it.
8. She Heard Simeon’s Prophecy – and Accepted Sorrow
Luke 2:25–35 records Simeon’s words: “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.”
She knew joy would come with pain. Friends, serving God doesn’t remove suffering – it redeems it. Praise the Lord, because He turns every piercing into purpose.
9. She Witnessed the Visit of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:11 shows wise men bowing before the Christ child and offering gifts.
Mary saw prophecy fulfilled before her eyes – gold for a King, frankincense for worship, myrrh for sacrifice. She saw that her Son was not just hers – He was God’s gift to the world.
10. She Fled to Egypt to Protect Her Son
In Matthew 2:13–14, Joseph obeyed the angel’s warning and took Mary and Jesus to Egypt.
Mary learned early that obedience often costs comfort. Following God sometimes means fleeing from what’s familiar – but safety is found in His will, not in a place.
11. She Returned and Raised Jesus in Nazareth
Matthew 2:19–23; Luke 2:39–40 show them settling back in Nazareth.
Imagine raising the Son of God in an ordinary home! Praise be to God who dwells not in palaces, but in the humble houses of those who fear Him.
12. She Found the Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:41–52 tells of twelve-year-old Jesus teaching in the temple.
Mary searched in anguish and then found Him saying, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”
Friends, sometimes even our greatest blessings seem to go missing – but when they’re found, we realize God was teaching us to let go and trust His purpose.
13. She Was Present at the Wedding in Cana
In John 2:1–5, Mary saw a need and brought it to Jesus. She said, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”
That statement is still the greatest advice for any believer. Obedience invites miracles. Praise the Lord for faith that acts even before it sees results.
14. She Followed Jesus During His Ministry
Matthew 12:46–50; Mark 3:31–35; Luke 8:19–21 show Mary seeking Jesus as He preached.
He reminded everyone that those who do God’s will are His true family. She wasn’t offended – she understood. Spiritual family is built on obedience, not just birth.
15. She Was at the Crucifixion
John 19:25–27 says, “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother.”
Oh, what love! She stayed when others fled. She watched Him suffer, bleed, and die – yet still she stood. Faith stands even when it’s shaking. Jesus, in His agony, cared for her and gave her to John. Praise be to God for a love that endures the cross.
16. She Witnessed the Resurrection’s Aftermath
Though Scripture doesn’t record her seeing the risen Christ, Acts 1:14 shows her praying with the disciples after His ascension.
She had seen the darkest day and now lived in the light of victory. What hope must have filled her soul – she knew death was defeated!
17. She Continued in Prayer with the Early Church
Acts 1:14 again reminds us Mary was among the praying believers awaiting the Holy Ghost.
The same Spirit that once overshadowed her now filled her. She began as the vessel of His birth – and ended as part of His body, the church. Praise the Lord, what a full circle of faith!
18. She Raised Other Children Who Followed Jesus
Matthew 13:55; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19 show that Jesus’ brothers, including James and Jude, became leaders and writers in the church.
Mary’s influence shaped not just one generation but many. The grace that filled her home spread through her family to the world.
19. She Lived as a Faithful Disciple Until Her Death
Though the Bible is silent on her final years, everything we’ve seen points to a woman who endured, believed, and finished well.
From the cradle to the cross, and from the cross to the upper room – Mary’s life was one long “yes” to God.
Summary: Mary’s Legacy of Surrender
Mary’s story isn’t about perfection – it’s about surrender.
She believed before she saw. She trusted before she understood. She stayed when others ran.
Brethren, that’s what faith looks like when it’s real.
When God speaks, the surrendered heart says, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
Praise the Lord, for through faith and obedience, the impossible becomes possible.
Key Verses to Remember
- Luke 1:38 – “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
- Luke 2:19 – “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
- John 2:5 – “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”
- John 19:25 – “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother.”
- Acts 1:14 – “Mary the mother of Jesus” continued in prayer.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
