Do You Long To Be More Like Mary?

Do you long to be more like Mary—to trust God like Mary when His plans feel confusing or incomplete? Perhaps you’ve found yourself floundering when His agenda feels absurd or when He offers very few details? Perhaps you’ve shaken your fist toward heaven and cried out, “This is too hard, Lord, and not part of my plan.”  

And if you have, take heart. God can handle that honesty.

Uncertainty often stirs fear, bargaining, or quiet resistance. Still, in the midst of it all, do you ever find yourself longing to be more like Mary—the mother of Jesus—and to speak her beautiful words from the very beginning?

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

Just like that, she said yes. Trusting God without answers.

Have you ever sensed God asking something of you that felt confusing—or even impossible?

Mary’s story reminds us that faith often begins before clarity ever arrives.

Saying “Yes” to God in the Middle of the Unknown

In Luke 1:26-37, we meet a young virgin, Mary, pledged to be married, when the angel Gabriel suddenly appears. Although scripture doesn’t record her inner dialogue, it’s not hard to imagine the questions swirling in her thoughts.

• How would Joseph respond?
• Would she be judged or worse, rejected?
• Could she be punished for being pregnant before marriage?
• How would this story unfold?
• Why was she chosen?
• And how would she possibly raise the Son of God?

What else do you think Mary may have wondered?

Sometimes faith is not the absence of questions—it’s choosing to trust God while carrying them. #trust #faith #questions Share on X

Trusting God Without Answers, Like Mary

Mary trusted who God is when she couldn’t see what he was doing. She lived out the invitation that is available to us as well:

Like Mary, God invites us to trust even when we do not have the entire picture—and perhaps never will this side of heaven.

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”

― Elisabeth Elliot

A Heart Posture, Not Perfection

Mary surrendered herself to God as His servant. Yet surrender did not mean the absence of fear. It meant choosing faith in spite of it.

God is not asking us for polished obedience. He is inviting us to offer willing hearts—even when we feel unsure, overwhelmed, or unprepared. #obedience #willing #trust Share on X

More Than Surrender—Mary Embraced God’s Plan

When dreams or expectations go unmet, grief often follows. Mary likely had her own dreams and a vision of what her life would look like. God’s calling on her life was a holy privilege—but it also carried loss and suffering.

Her sense of normalcy was disrupted by a plan that would forever alter her life. Being chosen did not mean ease or protection from suffering.

What grief have you experienced because of a redirected dream or an unmet expectation?

Surrender is not passive. It is active. #surrender Share on X

Surrender involves trust, obedience, and willingness to walk forward even when our hearts ache.  

Letting Go of Expectations to Embrace the Unexpected

Mary may have had to release:

• Her reputation
• The life she imagined
• A normal engagement
• Friendships
• Control
• A quiet, predictable future

What else do you think Mary may have had to let go of?

Sometimes we cling so tightly to expectations that we struggle to see what God is doing in the present. Is there something you need to place back into His hands?

“Sometimes God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.”

― Joni Eareckson Tada, The God I Love

Surrender does not erase grief—but it places it with the One who is strong enough to carry it. #surrender #grief Share on X

God’s Gift to Mary: Community for the Journey

God is with us when we walk through the unexpected—but He also lovingly provides community. In Luke 1:39–45, we see God give Mary Elizabeth—someone who could understand what it meant to carry a miraculous promise.

Mary didn’t wait for comfort to come to her; she took action. She traveled a long distance to seek companionship and encouragement.

God never intended for us to do life alone.

God’s gift to us is community. However, that requires action on our part: seeking out safe people and moving towards them. There is something so comforting about being known and understood.

Mary also had Joseph, who stood beside her as they faced judgment, misunderstanding, and obedience together—persevering even when affirmation was absent.

Praise Before Fulfillment

Mary did more than obey—she praised God before the promise unfolded. In Luke 1:46–55, we see her heart overflow in worship.

Do you choose praise during seasons of waiting and uncertainty?

If you’re walking through a season of waiting, you may also find encouragement in this post: “When Waiting on God: How to Embrace the Delay Well.” You are not alone in the pause.

The Birth of Jesus: God’s Promise Fulfilled—But Not as Expected

We often romanticize the stable where Jesus was born. But Luke 2:1-7 tells a much grittier story—no room in the inn, the smell of animals, the disappointment, the unlivability.

Imagine preparing to give birth to the Savior of the world in a stable.

I suspect Mary had imagined something very different.

God fulfilled His promise—but it required humility, perseverance, and deep trust from both Mary and Joseph.

Mary Pondered and Treasured These Things

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NIV)

Mary recognized God’s presence, even in the messiness.

Will you pause with me and reflect on how God has been present in your own unexpected story? Remembering His faithfulness is a sacred practice—one that anchors us when the road grows long.

Trusting God Even When Grief Is Foretold

I often wonder why God doesn’t reveal all the pain we will one day endure. Yet, if I’m honest, I’m not sure I would have taken the next step had I known everything ahead of time.

In Mary’s story, grief was foretold.

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”
(Luke 2:34-35)

If you’re in the middle of a storm and longing for peace, you may find hope in this post: “How to Find Peace in the Storm of Unexpected Pain.”

Obedient Faith in the Ordinary Years and Beyond

Mary’s obedience did not end with the miracle. She faithfully raised Jesus through ordinary days—days of meals, routines, and quiet perseverance.

Sometimes, I find the ordinary days to be the hardest place to remain obedient. When life feels overwhelming, I tend to lean into God. But in the quiet, unseen moments, faith requires intention.

How about you?

Becoming More Like Mary Today

If you’d like more encouragement as you learn to trust God in the unexpected, please explore our series: “Embrace the Unexpected with Maree Dee.”

I don’t know about you, but I long to become more like Mary in my everyday life. Here are some practical ways:

• Be honest with God about joy, heartache, and struggle
• Pause before reaching for control
• Choose to praise the Lord even when outcomes remain uncertain
• Seek, faith-filled community
• Trusting God without answers

Reflection:

• Where is God inviting you to trust him without all the details?
• Where might He be asking for obedience?

May we strive to become more like Mary—remembering that God is unchanging, faithful, and worthy of our trust. #trust #Mary #obedient Share on X

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Calling all Christian bloggers! 📖✨ Link up your posts at Grace & Truth, encourage fellow writers, and be encouraged yourself. Let’s spread Jesus’ message together!. #graceandtruth #graceandtruthbloglinkup #christianbloglinkup Share on X