Trust God’s Word, Not Your Fears
By Rick Warren
“My God, I want to do what you want.” (Psalm 40:8 NCV)
We’re continuing our look at the three wise women of Christmas. Today you’ll meet Mary, the young woman who became the mother of Jesus. She showed wisdom beyond her years when she chose to believe God’s Word instead of her own fears.
Put yourself in Mary’s shoes. She was no older than 16 when an angel told her she would give birth to a son—even though she had never been with a man.
And her baby’s father? God.
Imagine all the fears going through Mary’s mind.
First, there was the fear of criticism: “How am I going to tell my mom?”
Then you have the fear of inadequacy: “How in the world am I supposed to be the mother of the son of God?”
Then, of course, she faced the fear of change: “How many ways is this going to change my life?”
You can’t blame Mary for being afraid.
But the angel told Mary: “God can do everything!” (Luke 1:37 ICB).
Mary knew God’s Word. Later in the book of Luke, she sang a song containing around 10 Old Testament verses. She knew the Bible so well she could write that song on the spot.
So, when the angel came to her, Mary pondered in her heart all the things she knew to be true of God from his Word: “God loves me. God chose me. God is with me. Nothing is impossible with God. I can handle this—not because of my strength, but because of God’s presence.”
Then she chose to believe God’s Word over her own fears. She said: “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say” (Luke 1:38 The Message).
Mary wisely surrendered to the will of God. She was like King David, who said: “My God, I want to do what you want” (Psalm 40:8 NCV).
Wise people say, “Whatever God wants for my life, I'm in. I may not understand it, but I’ll do his will.”
The Bible says, “Mary treasured [the things God told her] and continued to think about them” (Luke 2:19 NCV).
God blessed Mary because she chose to believe God’s Word instead of her fears. He wants you to do the same.
This Christmas season the world may seem more uncertain than ever. But God wants you to be wise by believing the truth of his Word over your fears.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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