Thy Will Be Done
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38
Your Christmas may not look like what you imagined or hoped it would. While you may have a beautiful Hallmark Christmas all planned out, your actual life may look more like the aisles of a Walmart after the Black Friday crowds.
Mary’s plans didn’t work out either. Mary wasn’t planning on being a part of Christmas. Her life plan included marrying Joseph, birthing babies, loving God, and dying in obscurity. It certainly didn’t include the honor of birthing the Messiah and all the accompanying hardships that it would bring.
Once she knew God’s will for her life, however, she responded with great faith. She basically said, “Here’s my life, Lord. Do what you want with me.” Later, her Son would say the same: “Nevertheless, not My will, but Thy will be done.” This is always the proper response to the Lord.
When your plans don’t pan out the way you hoped, be like Mary. And be like Jesus. Know that God holds your life in His hands, and His plan is always best.
Dear Father in Heaven, I struggle with wanting my own will and way. I acknowledge that I don’t know best, but You do. Today, I surrender to Your will for my life. Help me remember that Christmas is not about me but about Jesus. Help me to live more like Him. In His great Name, I pray, Amen.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!