For most people, bright lights and shopping give the impression that Christmas has finally come; howbeit, the woman who was there when it first happened had a different experience.
Mary's calling to bear the Messiah has undoubtedly pushed her life outside of her comfort zone.
She was a virgin who became pregnant. Pregnancy alone is a difficult thing to go through. Add to that is the social stigma of being one despite being unmarried.
Of all the time in the world, a census had to be done close to her due date. She was far from home and therefore, far from relatives who can help take care of her.
Home or hospital birth? Neither. Mary gave birth in the most unideal place ever: a smelly, filthy manger.
Without much experience in motherhood, she had to raise a child who is extremely far from being 'normal'.
If it was I who were in Mary's place, I might have thoughts like, "Is it really worth it? If God intended this, why is the timing off? Is this really part of God's plan of salvation? Why is there so much sacrifice involved?"
Those can be the very questions in the heads of those who said 'yes' to God's call in their life. And sometimes, it seems like it's a shame to have them because we're expected to always be joyful and certain.
While there is much joy when Mary received the news, the events that happened later are nevertheless challenging. This is the same reality for those who have stepped out and followed the call of God in their life. It will not be easy. Our calling is going to stretch us to lengths that can feel like a breaking point.
Our calling is going to stretch us to lengths that can feel like a breaking point.
Mary's life is an amazing example on how to deal with the struggles that come with obedience to God's call.
No grumbling was heard. She waited patiently for God to answer. It was then that the shepherds found them and shared the majestic encounter they had with the multitude of angels praising the Savior.
God is at work when He calls people.
He has His ways of telling us that even if it is tough, He is doing something beyond our control.
The Lord replied,
“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.
Habakkuk 1:5
Mary needed that assurance in the present that everything is working for good, an affirmation that indeed the baby is the Savior of the world.
Our only 'work' is to OBEY AND PONDER.
"but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often."
Luke 2:19
Despite the difficulties, Mary obeyed. After hearing the news, she pondered on God's answer to her internal struggle. Her obedience was to keep the mission going while pondering is to keep her head up high, to keep her going.
Obedience is to keep the mission going; pondering is to keep the called going.
To keep in mind that God is at work and to be reminded of the purpose He has will help us move forward when it gets tough.
Ponder on God's amazing answers to prayers both in the past and in the present.
God did not call you to just leave you.
Instead of overthinking, ponder.
God honors your trust.