Have you ever avoided someone’s call because you knew they wanted something from you? We all have that person who only reaches out when they need a favor. Sometimes, if we’re honest, we treat God the same way. We want His blessings and the promise of heaven, but when it comes to full surrender and total access to our lives, we let that go to voicemail.
Mary had plans. She was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David, and her future seemed mapped out perfectly. At probably 14-16 years old, she was likely dreaming about her upcoming marriage and the life she would build. Then Gabriel appeared.
This wasn’t a gentle cherub with a harp – Gabriel was one of only two angels named in Scripture, a fierce, warlike creature capable of striking down nations yet submissive enough to protect an innocent child. When he appeared to Mary with his greeting, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you,” she wasn’t excited. She was confused and disturbed.
What Does It Mean When God Interrupts?
Mary’s story isn’t just an ancient tale about a baby – it’s an intensive case study about what happens when God interrupts your plans. Picture a modern Mary with Pinterest boards titled “Joseph and Me Forever,” practicing her married signature, when Gabriel slides into her DMs with “Project Savior assigned to you.”
God’s Invitations Are Often Inconvenient
When God interrupts, He’s often inviting you, not inconveniencing you. This is a crucial truth to remember. God’s purposes are often different from our plans. As Isaiah 55:8-11 reminds us, His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways.
Mary was asked to host the Savior – something that definitely wasn’t in her original life plan. God’s plans often look bizarre compared to our carefully laid out expectations.
Understanding God’s Favor
When the angel told Mary she had found favor with God, it might sound like winning the spiritual lottery. But here’s the reality: when we ask for God’s favor, we’re often really asking Him to make our lives more comfortable. What God’s favor actually does is make our lives more impactful.
Mary was favored because God chose her to be a conduit through which He would bring the Savior into the world. But this favor didn’t make her life easier – it made it significantly more complicated and challenging.
When God’s Plan Seems Impossible
Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement was logical: “How can this happen? I’m a virgin.” She was pointing out the physical impossibility of what God was asking. It would be like someone who’s terrible at basketball being told they’ll be the star forward on the next NBA championship team – inconceivable.
Nothing Is Impossible With God
The angel’s response contains a foundational truth: “Nothing is impossible with God.” This isn’t just a feel-good phrase – it’s the bedrock of faith when facing God’s seemingly impossible invitations.
God’s plan may be inconvenient, and it may seem impossible in human terms, but nothing is impossible with God.
Fear vs. Faith
Fear isn’t simply the absence of faith – it’s often faith in the wrong things. It’s faith in the “what ifs”: What if the economy collapses? What if I lose my job? What if I fail publicly? What if my marriage breaks?
As 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of sound mind.” Fear is a form of trust – trust in the worst-case scenario. We need to transfer that faith from worst-case scenarios to who God is.
The Pattern of Obedience
Jesus gave us a pattern when He said, “The Son of Man can do nothing by himself; he only does what he sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). He modeled listening, obedience, and firmness in identity. We’re invited into that same posture: watch, listen, do the next thing.
Obedience Is Ours, Outcome Is God’s
When facing situations where we can’t see how things will work out, remember this truth: obedience is ours, outcome is God’s. We’re not responsible for manufacturing the outcome – we’re only responsible for obedience. We turn the key, but God provides the engine.
Mary’s Two-Part Response
Mary’s response in verse 38 gives us a practical model: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me according to your word.”
First, she remembered her identity – “I am the Lord’s servant.” When you know you belong to God, you can risk more.
Second, she gave agreement and permission – “May it be to me according to your word.” She didn’t negotiate; she consented.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to be open to God’s interruptions. Take these three practical steps:
- Ask twice daily – Morning and evening, ask “Lord, what are you asking me to do or believe right now?” Write down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems small or silly.
- Take one small step – Not the whole staircase, just the next stair. If God nudges you to call someone, make the call. If He prompts you to forgive, send that message. If He leads you to sign up for something, take action.
- Say this daily – “Obedience is mine, outcome is God’s.” When fear whispers that you’re going to fail, remind yourself of this truth.
Remember these key truths: When God interrupts, He invites. Nothing is impossible with God. Obedience is mine, outcome is God’s.
Questions for reflection:
- Where in your life might God be trying to interrupt your plans?
- What “what if” fears are keeping you from saying yes to God’s invitations?
- How can you better recognize God’s voice when He nudges you toward obedience?
- What small step is God asking you to take this week?
Like Mary, you have the opportunity to say yes to God’s interruptions. Your obedience to one divine interruption could be part of changing everything – not just for you, but for your community, family, and future generations.