Ah, a Beatles song. Isn’t it? Maybe that’s what went through your mind when you first read the title. Maybe, maybe not. Depends how old you are, what kind of music you prefer (or once preferred) or what you were thinking about as you sat to read this post.

For me, it’s not about “Mother Mary coming to me, speaking words of wisdom” but God speaking words of wisdom. It reminds me of a verse that I draw on when I need to be reminded of the truth. The rest of the sentence is vital though. It’s the part that makes sense and gives me perspective.

It comes from the words of a woman who was in a particularly unique situation. In the book of Luke, we find Mary, young and engaged to a kind man. She was most likely busily doing her daily tasks and biding her time till her wedding would happen.

But then she got a visitor. One that would give her news that would turn her life around. The visitor told her that she would be the mother of the long awaited Christ.

First, she asks “How can this be….?” and the angelic visitor takes the time to explain the “how”, finishing with “For with God nothing will be impossible.” She responds to this wonderful fact about God, with the words, “Behold the maid servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

What humility we see in those words, what submissiveness. What spiritual discernment and calmness of spirit! She has just received startling news but is able to say that if that is the way it is to be, then let it happen just as you said. The angel was God’s messenger so even though we see her say “according to your word”- we know it is “His word”.

God has spoken. This is what He has for Mary and Mary is going to submit to it because she trusts the One who said so.

This is why it’s such a good verse to hold onto when I need to be reminded of the truth. It reminds me first of all that I need to accept the news- “Let it be”. Secondly, that I need to personally appropriate it—“to me”. And thirdly, recognize where and Who the news came from—“according to your word”.

When I know God has spoken… when I know without a doubt that an event or some news or a situation has come from Him (and don’t all things come from Him anyhow?) then I must allow Him to have His way. I must submit and rest in His plan.

Is it possible for us to speak like Mary did? So soon after being given her news, to say “Yes, God, You have spoken. You are right and true and real and I will trust you with this new situation even if I don’t understand. I will admit I don’t know the big picture but You do.” Can we, could we do this? Will we do this?

I’m not going to be bothered with “Mother Mary coming to me speaking words of wisdom” but I WILL use the words of Mary as an example, as a reminder of how my response should be to life-changing, startling or unexpected situations. I’m grateful that the biblical truths in my heart that have been stored there for times such as these, will come to mind when needed. I trust He will give me the humility and submissive spirit that Mary had, to rest in the good hands of my loving and just God.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1: 6,7

“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

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About Alana Milson

Alana is a primary school teacher. She and her husband, David lived in Cairns for over 17 years but are now living in Cape York in a remote Aboriginal community. Alana enjoys teaching in many different capacities, reading missionary biographies and pursuing biblical womanhood.

5 Comments

  1. JANE 9 November, 2010 at 8:06 am - Reply

    Who are those two good-looking guys in the photo? Seems like I knew them not so long ago . . . Thanks for the post, Alana. It was you who first pointed me to that text about five years ago. Remember?

  2. Alana 9 November, 2010 at 10:29 am - Reply

    I certainly do remember how pivotal that text was for both of us five years ago!

  3. Sarah 10 November, 2010 at 7:14 pm - Reply

    Really enjoyed your message and the example of Mary. She certainly did display humility, submissiveness, discernment and calmness of spirit and was filled with peace.

  4. Lyn 13 November, 2010 at 1:38 pm - Reply

    Thank you Alana

  5. Laura 20 December, 2010 at 6:25 pm - Reply

    Hey Alana. Hmm, I love that passage about Mary and her response. I can’t help but think how fearful I’d feel being given news that could mean that others think I’m a liar and a tramp my full life and could mean a spoiled reputation by all who refuse to believe. Whew, that would be tough! But she chose to respond not in fear about what could go wrong or cause her to face tough times, but to respond in worship and joy and humility. Wow. Quite a witness.

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