April 15 Mary, Mother of Jesus – Saying Yes to God

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                       Asha Singh
                     George Town SDA Church
Theme: Embracing Obedience and Submission to God’s Will

Key Verse: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” – Matthew 1:20

Have you ever truly considered what it cost Mary to say yes to become the mother of Jesus? Before writing this devotional, I hadn’t deeply reflected on it—but now, I am profoundly grateful for her unwavering obedience.

When the angel Gabriel appeared and declared that Mary was highly favored, she responded with a bold and faithful yes. But her yes wasn’t just about delivering the Son of God—it came with many sacrifices:

  • Given the cultural and legal norms of the time, her decision could have cost her her relationship with Joseph.
  • She risked public shame and humiliation as an unwed mother.
  • Her reputation undoubtedly suffered, with many whispering and judging her situation.
  • Though still a virgin, she accepted the divine calling to be the mother of Jesus.

Despite the challenges, Mary wholeheartedly embraced obedience to the Holy Spirit and submission to God's will. Reflecting, I realize that her journey of saying yes to God wasn’t easy. Yet, she remained faithful, accepting the responsibilities that came with her calling.

By saying yes to God’s plan:

  • She traveled to Bethlehem on a donkey, heavily pregnant.
  • She gave birth to the Son of God in a cold, dark, and unpleasant stable, far from home.
  • She followed Joseph’s lead when God instructed them to flee to Egypt.
  • She let go when her son left home to become an itinerant preacher.
  • She continued saying yes—even when it led her to the foot of the cross, where she watched her beloved son be brutally crucified by the very people He came to save.

Oh, we might have such faith—to lay aside our desires and dreams, fully embracing God’s call without excuses.
Oh, that we would trust Him enough to serve wholeheartedly, even when it feels inconvenient, complex, or beyond our capabilities.

Mary’s life teaches us that significant and meaningful things begin with a heart willing to obey and submit to God’s will.

Reflection: What is God asking me to do today that, like Mary, I need to say yes to?

Luke 16:10 reminds us: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

Prayer:
Lord, guide me toward a renewed vision for my faith journey. Give me the strength and willingness to say yes to Your will and Your way. I know that I fall short in my own strength, but through You, I can do everything, Amen.

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