A Willing Heart

I have been reading the account of the Birth of Christ all this week and meditating on this most precious gift that was given to me. It was a gift of love that, although I try to understand, I still cannot. I want it to get deep into my spirit, and I want my response to this love to be a willing heart. A heart that says Yes to God’s perfect plan, even though I cannot see clearly.

Mary had a willing heart. She was willing to be used by God, no matter what the cost. She said Yes!

When the Angel of the Lord approached Mary to let her know that soon she would be with child, and that this Child she would carry would be the Son of God, Mary was troubled in her spirit. She could not comprehend the magnitude of what was being asked of her. But the Angel reassured her  (1) that she did not have to fear, (2) that God was with her, and  (3) that this which appeared impossible in her eyes was possible with God.

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! (Luke 1:31)

Most often when I am overcome by fear, it is because of a situation where I cannot see the outcome. But God sees. He knows the end from the beginning. I simply have to trust.

I don’t have to fear the seemingly immovable mountains in my life. God is with me and He will make a way where there is no way. And even when there appears to be nothing but closed doors in front of me, still I know that God is able. By myself I can do nothing, but with God, ALL things are possible.

“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

I want to be like Mary. I want to have a willing heart to receive the unborn promises of God into the womb of my Spirit without first having to comprehend them. I want to step out without fear, knowing that with God, all that is in my heart to accomplish is possible. And although I may never encounter an angelic experience like Mary did, God has given me His promises and reassurances in His word. I need not fear. He is with me and NOTHING is impossible for Him.

My heart says YES Lord!

7 Responses to A Willing Heart
  1. Kimberly
    December 20, 2010 | 6:41 am

    “I want to have a willing heart to receive the unborn promises of God into the womb of my Spirit without first having to comprehend them.”

    I LOVE this line from your devotion. And I so want this, too. I want to be like Mary. Thanks for the reminder that we do not need to try to figure everything out before saying yes…a trap I can easily fall into. You are so right…He is with us and with Him nothing is impossible.

    Merry Christmas, Barbie! It is a joy to get a peek into your heart here. 🙂

  2. Alicia The Snowflake
    December 20, 2010 | 8:17 pm

    Amen! May I be willing to be open to the promises of God and His calling on my life. Thanks for that great inspiration today my friend!

  3. Lynnette
    December 20, 2010 | 8:40 pm

    AMEN! I want to say “yes” too! I wrote a section in my last book about that… when we look at situations, how do we see ourselves responding if God had asked us to do that thing for his glory? I think most of us would be more willing to endure the trials in life if we saw it that way – like an assignment that God wanted to give us with a purposeful outcome.

    Great post Barbie!
    Love,
    Lynnette

  4. Beth
    December 21, 2010 | 7:58 am

    Amen Barbie! We can’t imagine what she faced — yet she faced it with great faith and hope. I struggle to overcome food’s control on my life and here she birthed the King of King’s. Yes, I want to be more like Mary too!

  5. Rebecca C
    December 21, 2010 | 12:07 pm

    I cannot imagine being in Mary’s shoes!

  6. Perspective
    April 21, 2011 | 4:49 pm

    […] walk in joy and victory one day, and fear and anxiety the next?  I just wrote a guest post over at 5 Minutes for Faith about not fearing what appears to be immovable mountains in our lives, and found myself camping at […]

  7. A Willing Heart
    April 21, 2011 | 4:50 pm

    […] I am featured over at 5 Minutes for Faith talking about having a wiling heart like Mary.  Here is a little teaser: I have been reading […]