Are You a Servant of the Lord? - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 9, 2024

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) 

Luke 1:38 features a beautiful and powerful declaration of faith from Mary, a young woman who had just been given a life-altering message from the angel Gabriel. Imagine the scene: Mary, a teenager, is suddenly confronted with the reality that she would be the mother of the Messiah, the Savior of the world. This was a moment filled with the potential for fear, doubt, and hesitation. Yet, instead of shrinking back or questioning God’s plan, Mary responds with a simple yet profound statement: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” 

Mary's response reveals her heart of total surrender and trust in God. She didn’t know all the details of how things would unfold. She didn’t have all her questions answered. But she was willing to lay down her plans, her reputation, and her future to embrace God’s will for her life. This is the essence of being a servant of the Lord: a readiness to say “yes” to God, even when it’s difficult, uncertain, or uncomfortable. 

When we reflect on Mary’s response, it challenges us to consider our own willingness to be servants of the Lord. Mary’s declaration was not just a passive acceptance; it was an active commitment to be available for whatever God had in store. Her faith was not about convenience but about obedience. In our modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own agendas, our own desires, and our own comfort zones. We often want God’s blessings but are hesitant to embrace God’s calling, especially if it disrupts our plans. Mary teaches us that being a servant of the Lord means being available for God’s purposes for us, even if those purposes don’t align with our own expectations. 

Are you available to God? This is a question we each need to ask ourselves. Being a servant of the Lord is not about having special qualifications, perfect circumstances, or a detailed plan. It’s about having a willing heart ready to say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.” God isn’t looking for perfect people; he is looking for people who are willing. Mary’s life shows us that God often chooses the humble, the ordinary, and the unexpected to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. Your availability is more important to God than your ability. It’s your heart of surrender, not your skillset, that God can use for his glory. 

What does it mean to make yourself available to God? It starts with a posture of humility and openness, just like Mary. Start by asking God, “How can I serve you today?” Make it a daily practice to seek God’s guidance and be attentive to God’s leading. Sometimes, God’s call will come through a quiet message during prayer and meditation, a verse that stands out in your Bible reading, or a need that you become aware of in someone’s life. Then, be willing to take risks, stepping into the unknown, and trusting God with the outcome. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Remember, Mary didn’t have all the answers when she said “yes” to God, but she trusted in God’s faithfulness. 

If you’re unsure about where God is calling you to serve, ask the Holy Spirit to make it clear to you. Then look for needs around you and be willing to respond when you sense the Spirit leading you to help in specific ways. God can use your service to reveal his love to people who need to see it. Often, it’s in the small, everyday acts of obedience that you can honor God the most. Be faithful where you are – whether it’s in your workplace, your family, or your community. God sees your faithfulness and will multiply your efforts in ways you may not even realize.

Being a servant of the Lord is a lifelong journey of faith, trust, and surrender. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing. Just as Mary’s “yes” to God changed the course of history, your “yes” to God can have a profound impact. 

Let’s pray:

Dear God, I come before you today with a heart that wants to serve you. Like Mary, I want to say, “I am the Lord’s servant.” I may not have all the answers, and I may not always know what lies ahead, but I trust in your plans for my life. Help me be available to you, Lord. Open my eyes to see the opportunities around me where I can be your hands and feet in this world. Give me the courage to step out in faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. I lay down my plans, my desires, and my fears. I choose to trust in your goodness and faithfulness. Use me, Lord, for your glory. Show me how I can serve you today in both big and small ways. May my life be a reflection of your compassionate love. I am willing, Lord. Here I am. Send me. Thank you; amen.

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Julia M Cameron

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on  X/Twitter.

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