What did Mary do to receive God’s plan for her life? How did Mary respond in faith to that plan?
These are the questions that stand out to me in today’s reading. Unlike Moses, who told God why he was not qualified for the job, Mary accepted the position, she embraced what was to come. Unlike Abraham’s wife Sarah, who laughed when an angel told her that she would have a child, Mary accepted the news with somber understanding that more than anything else in her life, she was the “Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38).
Where does a teenage girl get that kind of courage?
If I’m honest, I am terrified of being the Lord’s servant, because life has taught me that the Lord asks His people to do incredibly difficult things. If Mary had any fear, we do not get to hear it verbalized. Instead, we hear the song she sang aloud—to herself, to Elizabeth, and to the baby in her womb. The words of Mary’s song are directly from Scripture, which means that Mary put His Word deep into her own heart.
The only thing we learn she did to quell the tide of fear is to hold fast to the life preserver of Scripture. From our modern vantage point, it’s hard to fathom the extent to which this angel’s pronouncement would forever alter Mary’s life. In many ways, what the angel announced was not good news. For someone in Mary’s position, it could have been a death sentence.
And yet, Mary replies, “May it happen to me as you have said” (v.38).
Is it possible that Scripture really does have that kind of steadying power? Is it really true, that if you hold fast to the Word of God, He will steady you when His assignment comes?
Because we all have an assignment in this life. Maybe your assignment is to walk through life without the spouse you dreamed would be by your side. Maybe rather than bearing children, you are bearing the burden of an unexpected diagnosis. Maybe the cross is heavier and the road is harder than you ever expected. And yet, Mary’s calm voice reminds us all, giving us the words to say even when our hearts might feel terrified.
“May it happen to me as you have said.”
Mary knew that her God was good. Therefore, she didn’t need to fear the angel’s announcement. It was an invitation to deeper faith, deeper reliance on the God who can do all things. When we receive life’s hardest assignments, the Word of God and God Himself are with us, to give us courage and strength with which to combat fear. What is true? No plan of God’s can be thwarted (Job 42:2). What is real? God “is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Speak these words to the people God has placed in your life, and to your own heart because they are God’s comfort and balm to sustain us through every pilgrim journey.
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221 thoughts on "For Nothing Is Impossible with God"
Our God is so great. Greater than any thought, any fear, any anxiety.. He is in charge of our every breath.
It’s so easy to feel like we’ve lost control in certain situations, but at the end of the day, we need to remind ourselves that Gods the one that’s in control of our entire life story. He won’t lead us astray! Here’s to letting go, and letting God!!!!
God’s love is so amazing! I strive to be like Mary and follow God’s path for me and have faith over fear.
May it happen to me as you have said.
God grant the strength to face those uncertainties in my life with FAITH, not FEAR.
I hope things have improved since you wrote this. I found in those situations to take some time and ask God where he is in that situation. Sometimes the situation passes but I still ask where he was – he always shows himself. Stay strong ❤️
Truly challenged today to have scriptures hidden deep in my heart to rely on in circumstances life throws my way.
I’m currently in a very difficult transition and I feel so far from God. I keep crying out for help and it seems like there’s no answer. I don’t want to fear or be anxious, but it’s hard to trust when everything has turned upside down. I’m praying that God would provide courage and strength to endure, but it’s so hard to not give up when I feel so alone.
Praying for you sister – praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you
I really needed this reminder today.
I’ve been reflecting a lot on the word “servant” these days, noticing God asks for a heart that is humble and willing to serve and then CALLS us into service, not leadership, glamorous positions or loads of praise and money. These things could come, but God asks us to serve first and seek His heart for His people first. I want to be Gods servant so that His Kingdom would be here on earth.
“May it happen to me as you have said”
I am the “Lords servant”
May it happen to me as you’ve said. Let me have faith and trust like that!
This was so good for me to understand that when you are gods servant he always blesses. And when you stand in his love, trust, and favor he gives you the courage to accept.
Hope that we all will come to an understanding that whatever we do in life is because of his grace and blessings,it’s not with our ability we achieve things,So we will have to learn to humble ourselves and leave everything in his hands rather than taking control of our situations in our hands.
So good. God is always in charge of our story no matter what we face.
One of my favorites……..5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,” I needed this reminder.
This lesson reaffirmed the need to trust the plan that God has for me, and to be brave in knowing what he gives to me I can handle
Amen!!! Awesome to read this a few days after we celebrate Jesus birthday!
No plan of God can be thwarted
I have trusted God in almost every aspect of my life except for romantic relationships, and it is the one part of my life that I keep making mistakes in, or that is unfulfilled. It hit me when I read in the message after that maybe I haven’t found the life partner I’ve always dreamed about, but maybe I just need to learn to trust God and be obedient to his will and allow him to have control over that, too. Let go and Let God, isn’t that what they say.
I have trusted God in almost every aspect of my life except for romantic relationships, and it is the one part of my life that I keep making mistakes in, or that I
It’s the enemy who pulls you away. He’s scared when we draw near to God. He loses his power over us. Keep seeking the Lord. He’s waiting for you with open arms.
Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.”
It’s the enemy who pulls you away. He’s scared when we draw near to God. He loses his power over us. Keep seeking the Lord. He’s waiting for you with open arms. sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.
This message today rocked me. I was feeling that fear was holding me back from fully trusting God—simply because I’m afraid of what He would ask. This author nailed it with the devotional and the selection of scripture. I have so much to pray about!
I definitely need to be more obedient. But how is it so easy for Mary to do? It’s so hard to do it. But i feel we all want to be able to have all that much faith in God, but then I’m always wondering: what is stopping me? I try to pray but then I feel I’m always doing it wrong, I try these little studies and I feel like what’s the point of trying, just everything I do that will lead me closer to God I just feel I get pulled away. I’m just scared
I ask you Lord to grant me your holy peace as I walk through the trials and tribulations of my life. May I keep strong and not let me faith waiver in you oh Lord. Set a lamp upon my feet and hold my hand and protect me and those I love and hold near to me as I walk down this winding path of life. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen.
I ask you Lord to grant me your holy peace as I walk through the trials and tribulations of my life. May I keep strong and not let me faith waiver in you oh Lord. Show me the
Where there is obedience there is very little room for fear. Mary indeed was a servant unto the Lord. Amazing reading
Mary’s example is one that I needed to be reminded of not only her obedience but the fully devoted heart she had towards God!
Lord, do the impossible through me.
I am a foster mom and am doing this study for the 3rd time (it is so good!). I really need it to sink in and to hold onto God’s word! I’ve had my little guy for 16 months and I absolutely adore him and we’re going through a scary time in the case right now. Please pray for us! I love that I can hold onto God‘s word as a life preserver, may you be blessed today with courage!!
I need this study more than ever right now. We’ve had a lot of crazy stuff happen in the last week and to be honest, without God, we would have crumbled. ❤️
I am thankful for His word and His promises
We live overseas and the last of our & our kids’ close friends have just left, leaving a big hole for each of us. This is a timely study and I look forward to seeing how God comforts and guides us especially our children!
I really needed this. I lost my husband to Covid in February. It has been very painful but it has brought me closer to God. I have learned to and keep learning to put all of my faith in him. He will never fail us!
I’m glad you’re okay. Thank you for all that you do.
More than courage, I think Mary had humility. She received the angel’s words with the mindset that God is the authority, whatever He says will come to pass, and it will happen with God’s peaceful presence surrounding her. She was not afraid because she knows who God is. She trusts Him.
I had cancer when I was six years old. I believe God planned for my diagnosis to impact other going through a similar situation. Today, I am an oncology nurse taking care of cancer patients.
This morning as I face a big deal at work and I can feel the anxiousness rise these words are timely! The question of does scripture have that steadying power makes me stop and breathe! Yes, Lord! You are faithful! ♥️
My assignment will be letting my son and putting his life into the sovereign hand of God!
No purpose of his can be thwarted ❤️
Ready to have that strength and courage that Mary had
Thank you for this reminder. May it happen as you have said….
I just lost my papa, and he was the man who took care of everyone in my family. I have faith that even without papa my family will be taken care of… even if it gets hard sometimes. I know that nothing is impossible for God. Lord please help me to cope with the loss of my papa.
Today’s reading reminds me if the quote “God who made the sun, also made the moon. The moon does not take away from the brilliance of the sun. All its light is reflected from the sun. The Blessed Mother reflects her Divine Son; without Him, she is nothing. With Him, she is the Mother of men.” The Word was exactly the balm my soul needed today.
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I want to be like marr
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Needed this study as I started working in my new career as a Physician Assistant and it is a steep learning curve. There is great responsibility and a lot of opportunities for fear.
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Loved this!
Didn’t know that Mary was singing scripture over herself. Love that.
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I always think how crazy it would be to bear Jesus as a virgin. In this time and age it would be ridiculed by all, even believers. I’m sure people in that time thought the same. I want the faith that Mary had.
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May it happen as you have said. Whew.
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Amazing reading- so comforting.
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… may it happen as You have said. What a powerful statement. God I pray that all of us struggling with fear will remember Mary. And for as fearful we may be, that we have the courage and trust to say.. may it happen as You have said.
Seeing the struggles as hard assignments and pressing into the truth, the word of God.
My takeaway- that no matter what may come, we can stand strong in the word and what the lord promises and we will not be shaken. I think that is a really hard concept for us all especially in today’s society, but no matter what we must always remember that the lords way and will is way better than we could have ever planned. We must submit to him like Mary did and trust his plan over our own understanding.
Fear not, for God’s plan is for us to prosper! Have faith and trust that God WILL put you where you need to be when you need to be there- understand the ride may have bumps but the destination is worth the journey
I love the idea of scripture being deep within her and in the face of fear that is what overflows from her. Scripture is so important!
Amen.
My takeaway – Gods word will steady us for any assignment. Mary had His word deep in her heart and her response was that of acceptance and willingness despite the possible consequences. She knew that her God was good. To have that steadiness and acceptance as I receive assignments from my Heavenly Father is motivation for me to keep putting God’s word deep in my own heart.
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No plan of Gods can be thwarted! I had to look up thwarted…to prevent from accomplishing something. God is sovereign. His plan is always better than mine.
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Trusting in the Lords healing of me as I continue to go through some unexpected health investigations. But nothing is impossible for the Lord! He will make paths straight! Thankful for his care for me.
So good ♥️
May we all be a servant!
Wow. Today’s read was really comforting. ❤️
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May it happen as you have said.
I can relate. When I read Mary’s response, I immediately thought would I respond like that if God asked me to live without a spouse and kids. And then it was the first line in the thought experiment after. I don’t know. It’s very hard to imagine accepting it so easily. It would break my heart. But I guess in a way, I am accepting it by continuing to walk with God in singleness and choose not to date non Christian men. I do it anticipating he will provide one day, but if he doesn’t, I will be heartbroken, but still choose to be faithful.
This study has been what I needed in this season. There has been so much news in my hometown of terrible things going on in our local schools. As a mom, it scares me. It makes me want to live in fear, to make choices based on my fear. Reading the word brings so much strength. It’s the reminder I need each more to live in faith. To not fear what the world might bring to my door because the Lord is good. ALWAYS. His plans can’t be thwarted. It’s through Him that all good will flow for myself, for my child, and for the world. His words are truth and I’m thankful for that reminder this morning!
I’m thankful that I “stumbled” on to this study. So well timed
What an awesome God we serve
Perfectly timed.
I am so sorry! My heart breaks for you but God is so good and I’m praying for you and your family.
Really trying pour into the word because we are going through some hard things and some scary changes.this is so good!
Lindsay – first, I’m so very sorry. Second, I lost my son in 2010. I want to commend you for being transparent with your grief. I was not and it took me so much longer to heal. I’ve come through the other side of grief to understand and be at peace now. Gentle hugs to you.
Ahh this brought so much encouragement to me. I lost my 6 year old son suddenly in a car accident in Oct 2020 and I have been trying to hold onto the truth and promises. To understand and accept this assignment. To be a light and KNOW that God is good. This whole devotional this morning just lifted me up, encouraged my spirit and reminded me
I’m behind too, no worries❤️
This was the perfect scripture for today. Yes, I know, I’m a little behind.
I’m reading a book right now that talks about how God is good even when it doesn’t feel like it. May the story of Mary be a reminder to me that even when I’m afraid or feel alone God is there and He is good!
Holding fast to Jesus and His Words
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i need to see trials more as deepening my dependence on that the lord can do all things instead of seeing them as punishment!!!!
I so needed to hear this this day. Thank you Lord for meeting me through Claire’s words.
I pray I trust God the way Mary did. “For nothing will be impossible with God” Luke 1:37.
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Lauren, same here. There is hope, sister. Please go visit anxietycentre.com (note the spelling of centre – they’re Canadian). I think you’ll find a lot of hope there. Subscribe to the recovery support section of the website, and check out their qualified anxiety therapists (who have all recovered from anxiety disorders themselves). God calls us to trust in him and not be anxious, and sometimes we need help with that. Going it alone is too difficult – trust me, I know! Praying for healing for you.
“May it happen to me as you have said.” Such obedience, and peace. I’m clinging to that trust.
Peace comfort and blessings god bless you
Thank you lord
I am in the EXACT same spot as you and I know how debilitating it can feel. I am praying for you dear sister, that we can experience victory through Christ in our health anxiety.
may it happen to me as you have said. beautiful. thank you God.
The Lord knows exactly what I needed at this very moment. Praise be to Him!
May it happen as you said. This will stay with me as I continue to figure out what I’m doing with my life
Nicole- may God give you peace regarding the position and delivery of this child. Try not to over-research on the internet, if possible. Your doctor can give you the best information, and God has you and your baby in His capable, loving hands, whether or not the baby flips.
PS- my first was always head down, but my second was breech until 36 weeks, when we discussed that she had flipped. We had already scheduled a c-section but were able to cancel it. You never know!
THIS DEVOTIONAL IS SO SO GOOD
Beautiful devotion!!! ❤️
For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37 Thank you Lord that your plans are above our thinking. That hard things are possible to bear because you are my strength.
For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
Im reading this a day late but I just lifted you and your father up in prayer ❤️
If only we could always remember that God’s word covers anything that we might need. He promises us peace, wisdom, comfort, joy. We only need to find our promises and believe them.
This days reading and post were perfectly timed. Thank you!
“May it happen to me as you said.” I pray for this kind of courage and ultimate trust in our good and faithful God. Mary trusted God without question. She understood with God, she would be okay.
I am a lot like you all. Drawing courage and strength from my Lord. The faith and peace from Mary’s words and her actions of surrender to what He is asking is incredible. Praise God
Reading through tonight, I was struck by the fact that God didn’t just put Mary in this situation and leave her, he built a community around her with Elizabeth
I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mary’s decision not to question Gabriel’s message. Her strength has helped me in my “assignment” with God and I will go on teaching this lesson.
I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mary’s decision not to question Gabriel
He’s been working on me to do the same. I cannot get enough of His word, but my memory of it is not the best. I think I’m going to pick some of the verses that speak the most to me in this study and post them on cards where I can see them and work on memorizing them!
God you have a plan and your plans cannot be thwarted. Even though I’m going through the valley I do not walk alone. I trust in you that your plan for my life is much greater than I can see or know. I needed this lesson tonight so desperately as it is hard to continue to have faith when you find out something you’ve prayed for will likely not happen. But even if not, God is still good.
I so appreciate the perspective of Mary hiding The scripture in her heart. I hadn’t thought about it that way before. God has been speaking to me to work on hiding his words in my heart. Just not sure where to start!
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I’m walking into a new journey and when I stop and think it through it feels impossible. I’m so thankful for the reminder that I can lean into his word to steady my heart and my doubt. Father, help me to embrace this journey with the same joy and acceptance that Mary did. You will sustain me. Amen
It’s still so hard for me to wrap my head around the gravity of Mary’s situation, and even more so that she responded the way she did without missing a beat! She’s a woman which means she likely could not read and study the Torah, she didn’t have easy access to the things I do today, and yet I wonder if my faith is strong enough to respond that way.
Turned to this study with tears streaming down my face tonight. My dad is facing a potentially life altering diagnosis tomorrow. I’m praying for a miracle. Trying to hold tight to God’s promises in this moment of unknowns with fear trying to plague my mind.
Thank you Lord for sending encouraging words for me to also send and share with family members that are going through some really dark and challenging times right now. Your timing is perfect. I pray I may fully trust in it.
Thank you Lord for sending encouraging words for me to also send and share with family members that are going through some really dark and challenging times right now.
This was great! I have anxiety which is why I wanted to start this, but one of the worst anxieties I have is health anxiety. I just assume the worst is wrong with me when I have a headache or stomach pains. Its crippling at times not going to lie, but the quote from Mary “May it happen to me as you have said”. Dang. That hit hard. God knows. I dont. And I’ve got to be ok with it and just trust him but its so hard
Thank you, Lord, for your courage you give us through scripture. I pray for the peace Mary had over her calling. I know you are guiding me to the right place, and I just have to trust you and find comfort in your presence.
I’m parenting after the loss of my firstborn son and I feel God nudging me to rejoice in hard circumstances and trust him with my daughter, even while I grieve. God gives good things to his children, even hard assignments. Thankful for the reminder.
I needed this study tonight. The uncertainty of life. Anxiety and worry that come upon my life on a daily basis. Being scared of the assignment and the commitment in ministry that I know the Lord has called me to. The stress of motherhood and the pressure of guiding His children through the right path because I know that my children are only borrowed. It was so refreshing reading this tonight. Like the devotional said, “Let us hold fast to His word and He will steady us when His assignment comes.” I want Mary’s courage!
Sorry hit enter before I was done..
In my struggles to give it all to him, and to understand, make sense of my son’s death, Proverbs 3:5-6 resonates. I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my understanding. Great reading today.
Dorothy, I too have held Philippians 4:13 close to my heart, my son has also passed away. He was 22 and died after a tragic accident on 7/21/21. Glad you are here.
I can’t help but think that maybe part of Mary’s acceptance and Elizabeth’s scoffing was their age difference. Children so readily accept what they are told, adults are the ones that question. This can be good, but when it comes to the Lord may we be more like children, and not combat the Lord’s direction with our own arrogance disguised as wisdom.
Literally one of my biggest fears came to life tonight right before reading all of this. Really struggling through..the what if God has called me to live this side of eternity without a spouse I so desire? And this fear really stirred that in me more…clinging to His word. Hoping for clear answers. And a heart to handle my calling like Mary.
All I could do was cry after these words of truth and faith. Will meditate on this truth for some time, thankful for His timing and revelation for my life.
My anxiety and fear is health based……I want to live a day where I’m not scared to die
I have a bracelet that has been permanently welded around my wrist and it has a little charm that’s a compass. It’s called the “Way-maker” and reminds me every day that NOTHING is impossible with God.
I pray that I can walk in Mary’s courage. I want to walk in her courage when God calls me to do impossible things; remembering that nothing is impossible with him. ❤️
Praise God for Mary & her song of praise. Praise God for His ability to do things unimaginable! Thank you God.
Laura, your purpose is to love God with all of your heart, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Start there.
I don’t realize how much fear I have til it’s being asked of me to reflect.
Proverbs 3 really means a lot to me. We live in an age where people don’t like to be corrected, follow rules, be honest about their mistakes, and act like they know everything. But.. we certainly don’t know!… And I think that’s a beautiful thing! When we trust in God.. that makes us more genuine people and from that we act in a way God wants us to when it comes to simply living life. If we knew everything that happened in our lives.. we wouldn’t try as hard!
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Write them on the tablet of your heart ❤️
Needed this today
Laura, I just read today’s devotional by Sharon Jaynes from “Girlfriends In God” . There was a quote from her that I would like to share now, “Resist the tendency to define yourself by what you imagine to be wrong with you and embrace the truth of what God says is right with you.” You are His beloved daughter.
Praise God for His word! Mary showed so much faith and courage and I am thankful that God put this example in the Bible. But what spoke more to me today was Proverbs 3:1 “…LET your heart keep my commands”. I’ve been struggling with that lately. And I pray that God helps me do this every day.
Praise God
I’m praying over each request, dear sisters. Thank you for being bold enough to share. God is so Awesome and I just need to remember that nothing is too difficult for Him. I just need to trust in Him and His word. Yes, I have been let down by humans before. But God, He ALWAYS keeps His promises. Glory be!❤️
After reading today’s scriptures I have a second favorite verse Job 42:2 ““I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.”” My other favorite verse is Philippians 4:13. In many ways these verses are saying the exact same thing. The Philippians verse got me through many hard times but especially right after my older son died. Claire mentions receiving God’s hardest assignment well I believe that was it but through the past 18 1/2 years I have learned that sharing my story of faith and reliance on God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, family, friends and my Christian community has helped others. It also has prepared me to help my sister through her journey of grief over the loss of a child.
Sisters, be blessed and remember GOD “HAS YOUR BACK” and is ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED HIM.
My life was not going well when I met my husband. Yet I love this wonderful caring man and through 45 years of contact with his family, his mother, I found out how important God can be in my life. I was not prepared when our son, Jason got cancer. Yet I knew, I KNEW that God would heal him one way or another. God is good and gives us strength and power to believe and grow. Jason met God face to face a little over a year ago and the only thing that worried him was leaving his wife and children. He knew deep in his heart that he was meeting his God. That is and was all that mattered.
LAURA, your past choices can’t stop God from directing you down the path He has for you! Whether He gently/covertly guides you in His purposes for you or overtly tells you the way you should go, the Holy Spirit will lead you as you trust. Nothing is impossible with God! I pray that you would see His gifts for you throughout this day and trust His story. I loved the readings today. It reminds me that pain and beauty can coexist, but God’s hand is there through it all. I would love prayer myself to cling to this truth and for eyes to see His beauty and gifts
Do not envy Laura. Continue to spend time with God each day and he will reveal his perfect will for you. It’s a promise. Give your past over to Jesus and he will make a way
Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, not her fear over the circumstances she found herself in. I love all these verses, I have tried to commit most of them to memory at some point over the last year that we were dealing with infertility , miscarriage, and fertility treatments. Indeed no plan of God can be thwarted. I agree that He doesn’t promise us a trouble- free life but I also think it’s important to realize that God hears the prayers of His righteous ones and that our prayers can move Him to lift us up out of these circumstances, whether by changing them or changing us or both! For those who struggle to trust God- I felt like this too for the LONGEST time and only recently realized that for me it came from a series of disappointments I experienced while growing up- I would be promised something big or important by my well-meaning parents who, being human, sometimes overextended themselves and would not be able to deliver, crushing my young spirit and making me doubt that when the ones in charge of you say they will do something that it will happen. God is not a man, praise Him. When He says something it will come to pass.
It all comes down to this:
Do I believe God’s Word is true?
Do I believe God is good?
If the answer is yes to both, then I, like Mary, will say “May it happen to me as you have said.”
God has called me to walk this difficult path and He is with me. I am not alone. All things are possible for Him! Lord, I accept this hard journey and trust You to use this for my good and for Your glory. ♥️
There are so many things going on in my life at the momment where I find myself terrified. I am starting a business and will soon transistion from my fulltime job to running a business full time. As I mentioned before, I’m terrified; this is uncharted waters for me. But God- with each of my fears, He provides and opens doors that confirm I am going in the right direction. God, please forgive me for my fears, my disobedience and doubting you. Help me to do what you ask of me, even if I am afraid- knowing you’ll never leave my side. Help me have faith like Mary- who was told an impossible thing, yet she believed your words. Help me to not lean on my understanding, but to lean on you.
I love “May it happen to me as you have said”. Going to write that one in my heart. ❤️
Lord give me the grace to trust in you and lean not on my own understanding and strength.
My husband and I are both at the age where retirement is just around the corner. To be honest it terrifies me just a little. I lost my parents recently, my mom in 2019 and my dad in 2020. I watched both of them lose their independence and their health. It was an incredibly hard two years. I also saw both of them get so caught up in their health and living issues that it was almost like they lost their faith. I know they didn’t lose their salvation, but the joy was gone.
I guess that is what scares me the most – losing my memory of who God is and losing my joy. This study has come at the perfect time (Why am I surprised at that?) I love what they said in the podcast that we want to ask why is this happening, but why is the wrong question. The question needs to be who. Job said, “I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:1)
God, I don’t know, but You do and I trust You and You are with me.
“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3
I needed this today. So much. I am waiting on the test results of a biopsy, but in actuality I am waiting, resting in my spirit and soul, on the Lord, knowing He is closer and stronger than I can ever imagine. Mary’s surrender is a needed reminder that when we are weak, He is so strong.
Kinda envy of Mary. I wish an angel would come down and tell me my purpose. I fear my unhealthy choices of my past will always haunt me and ill never fulfill my purpose or be genuinely happy
What a wonderful example Mary set! May we all be willingly obedient to God’s plans.
“in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” – Proverbs 3:6
The world likes to run us in every direction, and we end up getting nowhere. All we need to do is run to God, and He will lead us where we need to be.
As the old hymn says, “trust and obey, for there’s no other way.”
I have found that the more I fight the path God has for me , the harder the journey. When I release and give into His will for me I float through. I also find that certain trials will come again and again to test me until I am willing to give into God’s will and letting go of mine. Father in heaven, be my guide as I’m so blinded by this world.
Repeat, “nothing is impossible with God.” Say that you yourself 3x. Claim God’s promises, believe it. And see the wonders of God.
Amen! Like any of us, I have my mental health and physical health struggles. My boyfriend and I may never be able to have children, my body may give out sooner than I would like, and even though medication has helped immensely with my mental health there will always be struggles. But God is good, and “May it happen to me as you have said.” I mean, how does that not lift you up? God has a beautiful plan for me and I just need to fully trust in him (I know, always easier said than done). Father God, I ask that this reading plan helps me to further put my trust in you and be your humble servant. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!
I love this. If I am also honest, total surrender is scary. The lack of control. The unknown. But God has always been faithful. He has even been faithful when I am not.
I am also recovering from COVID as well, and it has been difficult to get back to normal! But I keep reminding myself that God doesn’t give us anything that we can’t handle. Speedy recovery!
Another thing Mary did was to spend time with someone who could relate to her experience – visiting Elizabeth. Support and encouragement from other travelers on the Way is another fear-busting gift from God.
Your body will glow with health! I love that part of the verse! I’m healing from Covid so that verse means a lot. I don’t need to have fear.
Does anyone like to go through hard times? Does anyone want to hurt, be sad, troubled, be challenged? But God- when you go through these trials over your young life, and let God work in you, maturing you in your faith over the years. Something happens when trials come your way…I remember when I was devastated over my 2nd divorce (the first one was my decision, the 2nd was not.) My life was crumbling before me, with a 1.5-year-old and my future as I viewed it, gone in a second. But having my faith, I remember vividly saying to people…I know God will take care of me and it will be ok on the other side of this valley, but it is just so hard and I wish I could skip over it and get there. But God…so much work he needed to do in me. For once, I finally got it- I could not control everything, I needed to get a dependency on God, not myself! I couldn’t just look to the big God in the sky occasionally but needed to grow a relationship with his son Jesus Christ. All the time, every day, every moment. I would not trade that time of growing (joy in the sorrow) for anything.
Lean on God, draw close to him in your fear. God’s plan for you is bigger and better than you can imagine!! Write down your fears and see God turn them into joy.
Today’s story with Mary, by the way, was portrayed beautifully in The Chosen’s Christmas special. You could probably find it on youtube or in their app to watch. Really brings it to life.
Prayers appreciated ladies, I really think my mental health is struggling. Last week was better, but this week I’m starting to get emotional/feel like crying in the morning before I go to work…I think my emotions are out of whack and I don’t know why. I feel like I’m doing all the right things, and it’s still not helping. Praying that God would show me what I need to do to get well. I have so many blessings and from the outside looking in everything is truly great, but I’m struggling even though I feel like I shouldn’t be. Holding onto Psalm 145 and Isaiah 41. The Lord heads my cry for help. He is my strength.
I love that Claire refers to Scripture as a life preserver in today’s devotion. Loved all the passages today! Claire’s one line in the devotion about maybe our assignment is to walk through life without a spouse – I have to be honest I cringed. Could I really do that? My heart says no, but if I really trust that God’s plans are better for me than my own plans then could I come to a place of acceptance of that? I pray that it is not His will for me but it caused me to question how much do I really trust in God vs trust in myself. No matter what His call on my life is, it is always an invitation to deeper faith and deeper reliance on the God who can do all things! Amen <3
Mary is the perfect example of how to receive Gods assignment ❤️
Goodness this is a great reminder today! The message that faith is not easy… I would be more of the complaining sort, so Mary’s response to God’s plan is a beacon of faith.
What is true? What is real? For me, it’s knowing that God has me in His grip—I just have to remember and trust. Lord, help me dig deeper in your word when I feel the stress try to creep in.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own. Matthew 6:34 I discovered this verse while on a mission trip in Guatemala with my 13 year old son. I do not like to travel but my son was persistent in his desire to go on this trip, so we went. I had a lot of fear but I learned so much and meet so many amazing people. This verse is now on a sign hanging over my dinning room table. It is a reminder not to make an idol of fear but to trust wholeheartedly in God because He is good and He is in control. It has taken me a long time to fully trust God is good despite my circumstances. I use to believe if He was good and in control my life would not be so hard. I now know that He is good and in control despite my circumstances and I can now rejoice in my suffering as I see the perseverance it produces. I do not always do this perfectly and I still have so many questions for God but I have enough life experience under my belt that my faith is stronger. As the podcast episodes have said I know I am “soul safe” so I don’t need to worry so much about earthly things. Please do not think that I am writing off how hard suffering and fear can be. I do suffer and have many difficulties in my life currently but despite this I can still hold on to my belief that God is good and in control. They can both be true. I am so thankful for this study and for how vulnerably you are all sharing about your fears. The sheer amount of comments is amazing. We are all in this together and I am so grateful for each and every one of you She’s and for SRT. Praying for the requests today ❤️ May we all have the faith and obedience of Mary, may it happen to us as you have said Lord.
@Maiya K I’m praying for you and your mission!
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own. Matthew 6:34 I discovered this verse while on a mission trip in Guatemala with my 13 year old son. I do not like to travel but my son was persistent in his desire to go on this trip, so we went. I had a lot of fear but I learned so much and meet so many amazing people. This verse is not on a Woden sign hanging over my dinning room table. It is a reminder not to make an idol of fear but to trust wholeheartedly in God because he is good and he is in control. It has taken me a long time to fully trust God is good despite my circumstances. I use to believe if he was good and in control my life would not be so hard. I now know that He is good and in control despite my circumstances and I can now rejoice in my suffering as I see the perseverance it produces. I do not always do this perfectly and I still have so many questions for God but I have enough life experience under my belt that my faith is stronger. As the podcast episodes have said I know I am “soul safe” so I don’t need to worry so much about earthly things. Please do not think that I am writing off how hard suffering and fear can be. I do suffer and have many difficulties in my life currently but despite this I can still hold o to my belief that God is good and in control. They can both be true.
Really like the part about Mary having scripture deep in her heart, hadn’t really thought about it like that before
Such a beautiful example Mary set of hiding scripture in our hearts. I love this so much today.
She magnified the Lord in her fear. Her soul focused on what she knew of Him to be true. His faithfulness was embedded in her heart from knowing ancient scripture. Rather than clenched fists and recoiling to self protect, she opens her hands and arms wide in humble submission, she gives God her whole heart. Humility drives her. Fear and anxiety cannot stick to a heart full of the oil of gladness. Readiness. Expectant and ready for God to move and guide her. He will protect her soul for eternity. Open hands to receive. Steady heart on the Word. Mindful reflection to recall the great things He has already done. Your will be done Lord. I trust You. I will follow you Lord Jesus. You straighten my paths. You bring healing and refreshment to my body. And I can do all things with You. Amen.
God speaks to me through music, so I share another one for this who may need this reminder in the midst of a heavy assignment: “Find You Here” by Ellie Holcomb. The entire Red Sea Road album has met me in some dark places. May God give each of us what we need to live faithfully regardless of our circumstances.
Father reward my faith, forgive my doubt. In Jesus name, Amen
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” – Proverbs 3:5-7
The timing of this study is perfect. Going through a hard time right now, and then yesterday got some news about my dad’s health that is very scary. My heart is fearful and hurting. So thankful for She Reads Truth and the difference being in the Word has made in my life!
This devotion is so very lovely. I pray myself and others will simply hold fast to the life preserver of scripture. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take Him at His word. Oh for grace to trust Him MORE.
Welcome everyone! I am reading all of your requests and praying for you. I really struggle to trust God sometimes. I wrote the Proverb from today “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight” (3:5-6) on an index card about a month ago, and I have it taped above my desk. It’s a reminder that God’s plan is way better than anything I could come up with, and I just have to let go and let God lead me. He is so good!! Thank you for praying for me too. :)
I’ve never realized before that Mary had such a deep rooted belief in and understanding of the scriptures. Her faith wasn’t sudden and new. Her song of praise she sings to Elizabeth is literally from the scripture in Job. No wonder God chose her. He already knew her, but what’s more, she knew Him. She knew his plans were full of good and mercy even if they seemed impossible and hard. How can I do readily accept Gods plan for my life? By staying in the scripture and knowing that what comes my way is a part of the plan he has for me as his daughter, as someone he loves.
My insecurities run deep, but the
Thanks for the reminder about hard assignments. Lord help me be faithful during this time and trust you.
Jehovah Jireh – God will provide!
I just heard a message. The preacher was talking about how Paul breaks out in praise, a Doxology. He imagined that the man writing Paul’s words down may be struggling do get keep up! He was wondering if Paul standing, running around, or what as he spoke the words. He was saying it was like Paul couldn’t contain himself! As he said: 20 Now ato Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly babove all that we ask or think, caccording to the power that works in us, 21 dto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Another Scripture that I’ve be drawn to is:; 2 I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.
Im not thinking of this as a promise that everything will be great for me or that I won’t have and haven’t had troubles. I definitely have! But these Scriptures show His power and Sovereignty!
Love this! Now to Him who is able ! May we break out in praise as we think of His Sovereignty and power while not forgetting that He is Holy and to be revered and praised!
Praying for each request and thankful for all the new She’s – welcome!
Saw this on a sign or plaque awhile ago – Don’t worry about tomorrow ~ God is already there.
As so many have pointed out, that is many times easier said than done. Praying this deeper dive into related Scripture will draw us closer to the Lord, strengthen our faith and guide each of us as we learn to trust Him more (totally!) through our fears.
@Maiya K…I am praying for you both and your ministry, and I know that Our God is GOoD and He will do more than we can think, ask, or imagine! Thank you for your faithfulness to His call!
Trust in the Lord!
Mary’s song recounts God’s past faithfulness. She knew that He would prove to be faithful again. This echos what we learened this summer…REMEMBER.
When we forget, fear comes in. Make Paul’s prayer personal today:
[Jesus] is able to do above and beyond all that [I] ask or think according to the power that works in [me] — to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
ERICA – I’m so sorry for your loss.
MARI – how is Tammie?
Amen, Maiya!
I agree that Mary is an awesome example of faith.
God’s plan for my life is higher than any plan I could have for myself. My insecurities and anxieties will keep me from the deepest relationship I could have with God. Instead of fleeing, I need to seek the counsel of God and His word when I need comfort and peace. ❤️
Mary’s faith didn’t come suddenly when she met the angel. She had been growing it long before that. Our pastor this Sunday said, pain and suffering are guaranteed in this world. Knowing that, we should prepare. We should use the good days and seasons to grow closer to God, to grow our trust and faith. So that when the hard times come, we are able to walk through it knowing who God is.
I loved being reminded that He makes His plan and it is solid. He promises us that His ways are best and if we would just trust Him, He will take care of us. To not try to understand what we can’t but just to lean into Him and trust with our entire heart. I often think of Mary and how her heart had to be completely shattered when Jesus was abused and hurt so badly; when she had to give her baby back after all the years she had with Him. Looking at the beginning and her accepting God’s request so openly and trusting shows me just how far I am from the trust I want to have. Here she was a young girl who could have lost everything, her life, for becoming pregnant out of marriage and she didn’t blink an eye or hesitate; she just boldly accepted that if God ordained this then let me be His servant. Wow. I hope to strengthen my weaknesses to be more like Mary in trusting God’s plans for my life.
@Maiya K, I stand in faith with you, He will provide, hallelujah!
Okay, so I’m a missionary to Spain. I’ve been living here with my husband since 2019. Truly, I joined this study because just because I like reading the next study after the previous one….not really because I felt like I needed it. Just last night, we received a bill that was HIGHER than what we were expecting (like at least 4x higher), which for a second i had a moment…a very human moment.
I am very thankful for this study, as it reminds me to not fear…DO NOT FEAR. My God has called us here. Our of obedience, we are here. Here is holy. Here He is providing for us. His plan can not and will not be thwarted. This bill is nothing for God – for nothing is impossible with God. I am thankful! My faith will stand. Amen!