Mary’s Story Is More Relatable Than You Think—Here’s Why
When we think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we often picture her as this calm, almost untouchable figure in stained glass windows—gentle, obedient, and serene. But let’s be real: Mary was a young, probably teenage girl, given the most unexpected and world-changing news of all time. Imagine being told that you, an ordinary girl from a small town, would give birth to the Son of God! That’s next-level mind-blowing.
But here’s the thing—Mary didn’t freak out. Well, at least not in the way most of us would expect. Instead, she responded with faith, trust, and a willingness to be part of God’s plan, no matter how wild it sounded. And that’s exactly why she’s such an incredible example for us today. Let’s dive into some powerful lessons we can learn from Mary the mother of Jesus.
Lessons We Can Learn From Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary’s story is more than just a Christmas nativity scene—it’s a powerful testimony of faith, courage, and surrender. Chosen for an unimaginable calling, she embraced God’s plan despite fear, uncertainty, and the judgment of others. Her life holds deep lessons for us today, showing what it truly means to trust God, walk in obedience, and remain steadfast in every season.
Faith Doesn’t Need All the Answers
When the angel Gabriel showed up and dropped the bombshell that Mary would be pregnant by the Holy Spirit, she had one question: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).
She wasn’t doubting God’s power; she was just trying to wrap her head around the logistics. And once the angel assured her that nothing is impossible with God, her response was legendary: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
Think about that. Mary didn’t ask for a five-step plan. She didn’t demand to know how Joseph, her family, or the rest of her village would react. She simply trusted.
How often do we hesitate to follow God because we don’t have all the details? Whether it’s a career decision, a relationship, or just stepping out of our comfort zone, Mary’s story reminds us that faith isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting the One who does.
Obedience Can Be Costly, But It’s Worth It
Saying “yes” to God didn’t make Mary’s life easy. She had to face Joseph’s initial disbelief, possible shame from her community, and the uncertainty of raising the Messiah. But she didn’t let fear dictate her response.
Sometimes, obedience to God means stepping into the unknown and dealing with uncomfortable situations. Maybe it’s standing firm in your faith at work, ending a toxic relationship, or taking a leap into something new and scary. Whatever it is, obedience to God will always lead to a purpose greater than ourselves.
God Uses the Ordinary for Extraordinary Things
Mary wasn’t a queen, a scholar, or someone with an impressive resume. She was an ordinary girl from a small town. But God saw her heart and chose her for something incredible.
That means you don’t have to be the most talented, the most popular, or the most put-together for God to use you. If He can use a young girl from Nazareth to bring Jesus into the world, imagine what He can do through you!
Treasure the Moments, Even in the Chaos
One of my favorite verses about Mary is Luke 2:19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Amid the craziness of angel visits, a last-minute trip to Bethlehem, and giving birth in a stable, Mary took time to reflect on what God was doing.
We live in a fast-paced world where it’s easy to rush from one thing to the next. But Mary teaches us to pause, reflect, and treasure what God is doing in our lives. Whether it’s a small answered prayer, a deep conversation with a friend, or a moment of peace in a chaotic season, don’t forget to slow down and soak in God’s goodness.
God’s Plan is Bigger Than Our Fears
Mary’s journey wasn’t just about carrying Jesus—it was about letting go of her own plans and embracing God’s bigger purpose. She didn’t know how everything would turn out, but she trusted that God’s plan was better than hers.
How often do we let fear hold us back? Maybe God is calling you to something that feels too big or too hard. Mary’s life reminds us that when we surrender our fears and say “yes” to God, He does more than we could ever imagine.
Final Thoughts
Mary’s story isn’t just for Christmas; it’s for everyday life. She was a real person with real fears, real struggles, and real faith. Her example reminds us that God isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing hearts.
So, what’s God asking you to trust Him with today? Whatever it is, take a page from Mary’s story: lean into faith, surrender your fears, and watch God work in ways you never expected.
And who knows? Maybe your own ‘yes’ will change the world in ways you can’t yet see.
