What If Mary Said, “NO!”

During a BIble Club meeting at school, I was talking about the birth of Jesus and the days leading up to His birth. I was telling them about how an angel came to Mary because God found favor with her and He wanted her to give birth to His son. She accepted and became the Mother of Jesus.

Luke 1:26-38(NIV)

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

All of a sudden, I thought, but what if Mary said, “NO!”   What if she refused? What if she hesitated? What if she said, “Not, now Lord!” What if she said, “I’m not the one you’re looking for.” What if she didn’t feel strong enough or able or loved?  What if she felt dirty or unwanted, unworthy or insecure?

What if…………………………. Where would our Savior be?

I thought about all the times I said, “NO!” to God.  All the times I hesitated. All the times I feel that I’m not the one or unclean or unworthy.  I thought about all the opportunities I have missed for God. I thought about all the things I put before God and what He needs me to do.  I thought about all the people who are lost and need Jesus and how much my story can heal and help other people grow to know God more. I thought about who He created me to be for these children who so desperately need God and his love. I thought about how I need to change my mindset on Him and not worry about what I can’t do, but what He can do through me.

I spoke this message to these children just this way.  I offered them HOPE through knowing who God is and what He can do in their lives regardless of who they are and who they think they are.

God is REAL.  He is the one true living God!  He is waiting to use you and fulfill His purpose in your life if you will just say “I am the Lord’s servant, May your word to me be fulfilled!”  Thank God Mary said, “Yes!” Our Savior is born! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

If you do now know Jesus as your personal Savior, Please pray this prayer:

Jesus, I believe you came to Earth to save me from my sins. I confess all my sins to you and want you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life.  I love you and I want you to lead me into the purpose you created me for. I am your servant! Thank you Jesus for loving and wanting me into your family.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Welcome into God’s Family!  We are so glad you are here! Angels are rejoicing in Heaven right now of your homecoming! Praise God!

Happy Birthday to your new birth in Christ and Merry Christmas!