The Power of a Surrendered "Yes": Learning from Mary’s Brave Heart

When we read the Christmas story, we often view it through the lens of history and celebration. We see the nativity sets, the peaceful manger scenes, and the golden halos. But if we strip away the tradition and look at the raw human moment in Luke chapter 1, we find something startling.

We find a teenage girl, likely poor and uneducated, having her life completely interrupted by an angel with news that would sound impossible, and potentially dangerous to anyone else.

Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive the Son of God. In that culture, this news could mean social ruin, the loss of her fiancé Joseph, or even death. She had every reason to ask for a different plan. She had every reason to panic.

Instead, Mary responds with one of the most powerful sentences recorded in Scripture:

“I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants.” (Luke 1:38)

The Posture of a Servant

What makes this statement so profound isn't just that Mary agreed; it’s how she agreed. She began by defining her identity: "I am the Lord's servant."

Before she was a mother, before she was a wife, she understood that she belonged to God. When you view yourself as a servant of the Most High, your plans for your life become secondary to His plans. A servant doesn't negotiate the terms of the assignment; a servant simply asks, "What would you have me do?"

A Modern-Day "Yes": Rebecca’s Story

It is easy to look at Mary and think, "Well, that was biblical times. Does God still work that way?" The answer is a resounding yes.

I recently returned from the Dominican Republic, where I had the privilege of serving at an orphanage in Barahona alongside my granddaughter, Avianna. While I was there, I was reminded that God is still writing stories of surrender today.

I want to tell you about Rebecca.

Ten years ago, Rebecca went to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip. Through God’s guiding hand, she ended up spending the week not in a clinic, but at the Helping Hands Orphanage. Her heart immediately broke for the boys there and the struggles they faced.

When she returned home, she and her husband, Mark, had a long, serious conversation. Rebecca felt a distinct pull, God was calling her to serve those boys. But logically? It didn't make sense. She didn't have the resources. The thought of spending months down there was terrifying. She felt unqualified and unprepared.

But just as Mary had to trust God over her fear, Rebecca had to make a choice. Her husband Mark encouraged her to step out, follow God, and just see what would happen.

Rebecca said "Yes."

She didn't have a full plan, but she had a willing heart. Now, looking back over the last 10 years, Rebecca told me she feels overwhelmed when she sees how God has used her. Many miracles have happened at the Helping Hands Orphanage, and Rebecca herself has been one of them.

Ability vs. Availability

Both Mary and Rebecca teach us a vital lesson: God is not looking for your ability; He is looking for your availability.

We often fall into the trap of waiting until we feel "ready" or "wealthy enough" or "smart enough" before we step out in faith.

• Mary wasn't chosen because of her social status.

• Rebecca wasn't chosen because she had unlimited resources.

• They were chosen because they were willing.

God delights in taking ordinary people who are scared and under-resourced and using them to do extraordinary things. If Rebecca had said, "I'm not ready," look at the blessing she, and those boys would have missed.

Signing the Blank Check

To have the same heart as Mary, and the same heart as Rebecca, means handing God a blank check with your life. It means signing your name at the bottom and letting Him fill in the amount, the destination, and the method.

Saying "I am willing to do whatever he wants" is risky.

• It might mean serving in an orphanage.

• It might mean forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it.

• It might mean staying faithful in a quiet season.

However, the safest place to be is in the center of God's will.

Conclusion

God can use us, too. He has a specific purpose for your life that only you can fulfill. But He will not force His will upon you. He waits for the invitation.

Today, you might be facing a calling that feels too big for you. I encourage you to stop looking at your own limitations and start looking at God’s limitlessness.

Take a moment to quiet your heart, set aside your fears, and whisper the prayer of Mary: "Lord, I am your servant. I am willing."

You never know what miracle God will birth through a heart that simply says "Yes."

Heavenly Father, I confess that often I look at my own resources and abilities and think, 'I can't.' But today, I want to look at You and say, 'You can.' I may feel scared, and I may not know what the outcome will be, but I trust Your heart. Like Mary, and like Rebecca, I offer You my life today. I am Your servant. I am willing. Interrupt my plans and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.