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Friday, October 08 2021
 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38 ESV) Mary received the angel’s message and had to make a life-changing decision. Imagine the courage and faith it took for Mary to choose to “let it be.” Her decision would release her into a new direction and change her life, and ours, forever. Often we are called to make difficult and life-changing decisions. Seeking God’s wisdom may result in a change in direction or giving up on dreams and plans we have made. For Mary, her decision to “let it be” created challenges for her socially, culturally, religiously, and personally. If she chose to live according to God’s will, her life would be changed forever. Despite all the challenges, Mary made the choice to “let it be” according to the call of God. Repeating a phrase in prayer may make it live within us. It’s like a favorite piece of music that we can play over and over again in our head. It soon becomes part of us. “I am the servant of the Lord” was such a phrase for Mary, spoken first at one of the biggest moments in her life. In times of prayer, a sentence like that can occupy mind and heart and raise us closer to God. For example: There will be an answer, let it be ... Allow these words, keeping in mind Mary’s words to the angel, to play repeatedly in your head and become a part of you. Like Mary, choose to become a servant of the Lord, and “let it be.” ~Tom Melzoni Reflection What does God have in mind for you? In what way, like Mary, are you to bear good news to others and be empowered by the Holy Spirit? ChallengeFind your phrase and pray to seek God’s will for you. If you say “Yes!” the work of God will be brought forward. Like Mary, say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Let your gift be a response to God’s messenger in your life. From A Generous Life: 28 Days of Devotion. Copyright © 2019 Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. Comments:
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