Two weeks before Christmas, I heard a very thoughtful sermon preached by Pastor Kendell Harger of the Spring Green Community Church in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The sermon was part of a series on
“Hope Because..” and this one focused on Mary.
One of the key takeaways I had from the message is that because Mary trusted God, much was entrusted to her. Mary did not question God. She might have wondered how a virgin could become a mother—but she did not question that God’s plan, though it would be very difficult and life changing for her, was the best plan. And, knowing Mary’s heart and her devotion to Him, God selected the perfect mother for His son.
Following that message, I had to ask myself how much I trusted God with all aspects of my life. It is a question I think of periodically.
The first time I remember ruminating on this subject was after listening to an interview with author Jennie Allen. She had just released her book, “Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My God and My Soul.” The book is a story of her life in Christian ministry following a prayer she had prayed to God in which she said that she would do anything God asked her to do. In other words, she pledged to lead a surrendered life. In the book, she reflects on the fact that when you know the God who is truly worth giving it all up for, everything else you had held so tightly to will mean little to you. God will change you and thereby will change your perception of everything.
From all accounts, Mary was leading this type of life. She knew that being a pregnant unmarried woman would bring shame and rejection. When she and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Mary learned that her pain would not end with here. Simeon, a man deeply dedicated to God, said to Mary, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35).
So, in addition to losing her reputation, Mary learned that this child would bring suffering to her soul.
Certainly, a surrendered life is not a life of ease. It is not a life without pain. But, I truly believe if you were to ask Mary if she would do it all again, knowing what she knew at the end of her life, that her Son would live a short 33 years and die on a cross, I believe she would say, “A hundred times over.”
And, why is that?
Because the pain she had to endure, great as it was, paled in comparison to having been selected to carry the only Son of God—and to witness the difference He made in the lives of those around Him—and to know the difference He would make in the lives of many who were still to be born.
I remember the day my youngest son, who was just five at the time, took his first roller coaster ride. His older brother took him from me and dragged him up the ramp to the ride. He whole time he looked back at me and mouthed the words, “I don’t want to do this.” But it was too late. He was on his way. I knew he wouldn’t be injured, but how would he feel when it was all over? What would he say?
I stood and watched the machine do its dips and falls, awaiting the verdict of a very small boy.
He emerged from the exit line beaming. And, giving me a wide grin, he looked up at his brother and said, “Let’s do it again!”
Recently, I had a similar experience with my grandson. He stood gazing up at the roller coaster, eager and scared—all at the same time. My son had told me that the night before that my grandson said to him. “Promise me dad, that no matter what I do, what I say, or how hard I cry, you will not allow me to back out of getting on that roller coaster.” And, now, there he was.
God allows us—as he did Mary--to live the “Great Adventure” with Him. The Adventure of working with God to save and redeem a fallen world.
This is the thrill our souls seek. It is only found in a surrendered life. Like all adventures, it is scary, unknown, full of the tough ascents and the breathtaking falls—but in then end, I truly believe we will all turn to God and thank Him for nudging us forward, taking our hand, yet always, ultimately, allowing us to choose.
Trust God to entrust you with playing a part in this Great Adventure.