The Power of Yes: Lessons from Mary’s Journey Week 4

The Promise Received

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:26–38, Luke 1:46–55

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In Nazareth, there was an ordinary village tucked in the hills of Galilee, a young woman that was quietly living her life when heaven suddenly interrupted her plans. When it came there was no royal announcement, no grand stage just a simple home and a heart that was prepared to listen. Her name was Mary, and her response to God’s call would change the course of the world.

When the angel Gabriel appeared, he greeted her with words that must have startled her:

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).

Mary was “deeply disturbed,” by this greeting. Being young, maybe even a teenager and engaged to be married. At this point there is now an angel telling her that she would give birth to the Son of God. Nothing in her life had prepared her for such a moment, however everything in her heart had prepared her to say yes.

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An Unlikely Choice — Yet Perfectly Chosen

In all rights, Mary was not the likely choice for such an assignment. She was poor, young, and from what was considered an insignificant town. When we read the bible we can see that’s exactly how God works. We can see over and over that He chooses the humble to confound the proud, and the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary power.

Gabriel told her:

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31–32).

Her question was honest and pure: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). She wasn’t doubting God’s ability she was asking to gain some understanding. The angel’s reply revealed the divine mystery:

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God” (v. 35).

Mary’s womb become the dwelling place of the eternal Word. Heaven would take on flesh within her. The promise made in Eden, foretold by prophets, and long awaited by generations would now take root in her own body. (Isaiah 7:14)

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Faith That Says “Yes”

Then came one of the most powerful responses in all of Scripture:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

When she spoke these words, heaven’s plan became earth’s reality. Mary not knowing how her family would react, how her soon to be husband Joseph would respond, or what her future looked like. But with all of those questions she trusted that God’s word was greater than her fear.

Her yes did not come with a paved highway. To those surrounding her, the pregnancy would look like a scandal, not a blessing. Yet Mary chose faith over reputation, obedience over comfort.

Know that faith is not the absence of fear it’s a decision to trust God’s word above everything else. Mary believed before she understood, and surrendered before she saw. That’s what it means to truly receive the promise of God.

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Mary’s Song — The Overflow of Surrender

When Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, who had also become miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist, Elizabeth confirmed what God had spoken:

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” (Luke 1:45).

Mary’s response was worship. Her song, was magnificat, and overflowed with joy and awe:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant…
He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.”
— Luke 1:46–49

Her heart magnified God, not the role she played, not her fear, but His greatness. When we have true obedience always it will always lead to worship, through surrender it will allow us to see the hand of God more clearly.

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Faith That Receives, Faith That Obeys

With Mary’s example it teaches us that genuine faith doesn’t just believe God’s promises it acts on them. She didn’t argue, delay, or demand proof; she simply yielded to the divine plan.

Humans tend to want to see how everything will work before we say yes. However, if we look, Mary shows us that obedience comes first. God will reveal His power on the other side of surrender.

When we say yes to God in everything, in our calling, our relationships, and daily routines He does more than we can imagine. Because of Jesus we have the same Holy Spirit that overshadowed Mary. Now the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, this gives us the strength to carry Christ into the world. (Acts 1:8)

Paul writes in Galatians 4:19 that he labored “until Christ is formed in you.” When we completely give in to Jesus gaining the best relationship of our life, we are called to carry His presence spiritually. We will let His life grow within us and be revealed through us to those around us, a light that shines in the dark.

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The Humility That Welcomes God

Mary’s life is a quiet reminder that humility opens the door for the miraculous. She was never a status seeker, she sought God’s will. In her humility, God found a willing vessel to accomplish His greatest work.

The true Christmas story is filled with human contrasts: a poor girl chosen for glory, a stable instead of a palace, shepherds instead of rulers. Every detail of the birth of Christ reminds us that God delights in using the humble and obedient.

If we yearn to see God’s power in our lives, we need to approach Him with the same heart Mary had:

“Let it be to me according to Your word.” Luke 1:38

This one single sentence contains the full essence of faith, trust, and worship. It’s a sentence of declaration of surrender. It does not just happen once, but daily.

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Reflection for the Week

• What does Mary’s response teach you about trusting God when His plans interrupt yours?
• How can you live out a “yes” to God’s call this season?
• What fears or uncertainties might you need to surrender to say, “Let it be to me”?

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Personal Application

This week, spend time reflecting on Mary’s faith. Write down one area of your life where God may be asking for your obedience. Pray Mary’s words as your own prayer:

“Lord, I am Your servant. Let it be to me according to Your word.”

Try to take one step of obedience, does not matter how small, in faith.
Just like Mary, you may not see the full picture now, but a simple yes Lord can create the room for God to do something eternal in and through you.

Remember: Christmas began with one heart that fully surrendered to God’s promise.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, give me a heart like Mary’s humble, surrendered, and willing. Teach me to say ‘yes’ even when I don’t understand the full picture.
Calm my fears, strengthen my faith, and help me trust that Your plan for my life is good. Form Christ in me as You formed Him in Mary, shaping me into a vessel of obedience and worship. Let my life reflect complete trust in Your Word. In Jesus Name Amen

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