As we grow in faith, the Lord begins to change us and we become different people. What was important at one time, is no longer important. Faith changes how we think, what we do, and how we act for the better. As we grow in faith, we can better hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. This allows the Holy Spirit to continually guide us like a shepherd guides sheep. Only in hindsight do we to realize how much faith in Jesus as our Savior changes us.
As we look at the story of Mary from Luke 1:26-38, we see a young woman with amazing faith. 28 The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” [1] God had a special assignment for one of His faithful followers. She is called favored. As people of faith, we are also favored by God. We have the privilege of serving God in this lifetime and going to heaven when we die. I would call that favored.
When the angel told Mary she was going to become pregnant as a virgin, she asked how that was possible. 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.[2] Luke 1:35. Mary responded with faith to that a simple explanation. 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. [3] Luke 1:38.
Mary did not need any further explanation from the angel Gabriel. She had simple and steadfast faith. She trusted God completely to do just as He said He would. She did not have to figure everything out, she simply trusted. Mary was only a young woman and her response gives us insight into the depth of her faith. I believe Mary’s greatest attribute was her strong faith.
How has being a person of faith changed you? What were you like before you knew Jesus as your Savior? In this lifetime, the Lord is never done transforming us to be more like His Son Jesus. What area of your life does the Lord desire to transform? Through prayer ask the Lord to change that part of your life! The Lord desires to change us more than we desire to be changed.
Listen to the story of Mary here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/gods-plan-stretches-and-molds-me
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Luke 1:28, Luke 1:35 & Luke 1:38). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.