Scripture impacts Mary’s life and ours

Still waters run deep.

Sometimes there are words spoken to us that greatly impact our lives in such a way that they cannot be shared with anyone. They are significant and meaningful, meant only for us and none other.

Perhaps they are certain Scriptures from the word of God that impact our lives or specific promises given concerning burdens of our hearts as we wait on the Lord for answered prayers.

Maybe it is a spoken word of encouragement, offered at just the right time that brings hope and internal strength to continue the journey.

Proverbs 25:11 reads: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”

A properly spoken word at just the right time will help to release hope and encouragement.

The Lord knows what we require and will provide, at just the right time.

He brings the word that will be directed to our receptive hearts and will use his chosen vessel or any and all means necessary to deliver the answer.

God wants us to know, implicitly, that it is he who has heard and responded.

The personal thoughts and dreams within us are those that we hold close to our hearts as we watch and wait for the promises to be fulfilled. These are the hidden trusts within that only the Lord knows.

Scripture reads in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

As we walk forward, his promises are yes and amen.

The desired internal sense of peace can be realized because we know that someone understands our situation and has undertaken on our behalf.

It is a timely answer and word of support that could not be fully realized by others, because it is personal to our lives and destiny.

One such individual in Scripture who had such an experience was Mary, the mother of Jesus. This woman would become a part of the mystery we believe as Christians; that Almighty God chose a virgin named Mary to birth the Son of God.

That salvation would come to who all who would believe upon his name, Jesus Christ.

She, like all of us, was in need of a Savior and anticipated his coming to be revealed to a waiting nation and world. She continued to believe, although she did not yet see.

Luke 1:46-47 reads “And Mary said, ‘My soul exalts the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.’”

Her faith was real. She was a woman, in need of salvation, and God would provide.

Luke 1: 26-38 reveals she was willing to obey God, no matter what the situation.

The words spoken to her by the angel of the Lord would forever change her life and the life of all who would come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Her heart’s attitude, one of obedience to God’s plan for her life, in her day and going forward would create controversy and judgment.

The character of this woman chosen to be the mother of Christ, exemplified a deep sense of love and obedience to God that others would not understand. She trusted the Lord.

Mary was one who had the experience of divine visitation and yet remained and walked without pretentions among her peers.

How could this woman share the feelings of her heart and soul with anyone, especially in the times she lived? She could not, for they would never be understood.

Luke 2:19 reads “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” These were precious promises and prophetic words given to enable her to see the hand of God as she watched his plan and promise unfold to a lost and dying world.

She was willing to surrender to the will of the Lord.

God’s words spoken to her were to become her compass and consolation in the days ahead, both good and bad.

Soon we will celebrate the season of the birth of Christ. Let us all take time for reflection and prayer.

God gave the greatest of all gifts to this world, his only son.

Our relationship with the Lord is a personal one. His promises to us are personal and his answers will come.

Life is full of twists and turns, of the unexpected and surprises. One thing remains constant. God is looking for those who will walk in obedience at any cost.

Our lives are not our own; they have been bought back, the cross represents that price.

Still waters do indeed run deep; deep enough to draw us close to the Lord.

During this season and going forward may Mary’s response to the Lord’s should be ours as well.

Luke 1:38 reads “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord, be it done to me according to the word of the Lord.” May our lives and hearts reflect our belief.

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker and author.