Women of Faith
Mary, Mother of Jesus
The Willing Heart
Surrender
Scripture (NIV)
“I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Message
Her yes was given before she understood the cost. Surrender is not passivity; it is the bravest form of trust.
Practice
Write your own 'let it be' about one uncertain thing you are holding.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to say yes before I see the whole road. Keep my heart soft and willing. Amen.
Lived out
Short practices that fit Mary, Mother of Jesus's virtue of surrender.
A practice to try
Five things before the phone
“My old habit was to check my phone before my eyes were properly open, and I would start the day already behind. Now I name five real things I am thankful for first, the specific ones, not the polite ones. The tea. The fact that the test came back clear. Then I pick up the phone.”
TRY TODAY
Name five specific things to God before you unlock your phone tomorrow.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
A practice to try
The empty chair at the table
“A friend told me to leave one chair empty at dinner and treat it as Christ's seat. I felt silly for about a week. Then I noticed I was speaking differently at that table, less sharp and more patient, because I had stopped imagining God as far off and started acting like He was in the room.”
TRY TODAY
At one meal today, eat as if Jesus is seated with you, and say what you would say to Him out loud or silently.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person.”
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)