I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included. —Bernard Manning
The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Mary. But what I do know impresses me greatly. She had so little to give in the moment. But in the moment, she gave all she had. As a Jew in a devout community, it’s safe to assume that the great prophecies and theologies were read to her by candlelight before she went to bed year after year after year.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
When the prophecies began to unfold around her, she must have begun to see it for what it was.
Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:30-32)
Being a virgin, she knew this was a biological impossibility. But after some sincere questioning, she leaned into the truth, choosing biblical truth over biological fact. I believe the Holy Spirit greatly encouraged her in this moment, reminding her of another truth that would have been part of her heritage: Nothing is impossible for God.
All God asked of Mary was what she had to give. What did she have to give? Nothing. No, wait, she had two things: her body and her faith. She gave those to Him; in obedience, she laid both before her Lord.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
May Mary’s faith and obedience be an encouragement to others—like you and me—who find ourselves in places where we think we simply have nothing to give.
Lord, by the power of Your Spirit, give me the faith and obedience of Mary. I truly have nothing to give this world other than what You are already planning to give through me. Amen.