What Mary Teach us about Faith and Trust

12 Days of Christmas : What Mary Teaches About Faith | Luke 2

What Mary Teaches Us About Faith and Trust

Christmas is a season of stories, but sometimes we forget that the characters we read about in Scripture were real people with real emotions and real struggles. We often view biblical figures like Mary through the lens of knowing how the story ends, disconnecting from the fact that these were ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances without the benefit of hindsight.

Why Mary's Story Matters for Our Faith Journey

Mary holds a unique position in history - she was the only person ever called to be the Mother of God. While there have been thousands of apostles, evangelists, pastors, and miracle workers throughout history, only one person could serve as the vessel to bring Jesus to humanity. If we're called to carry Christ's message and imitate Him in our daily lives, we would be wise to learn from the woman who literally brought Christ into this world.

The Reality of Mary's Circumstances

When we examine Mary's story in Luke's Gospel, we discover she faced circumstances that would challenge anyone's faith. Luke, who wasn't an apostle but a meticulous historian gathering eyewitness accounts, presents Mary's experience with remarkable detail.

Consider her situation: She had to travel to Bethlehem while pregnant because of a Roman census. When they arrived, even Joseph's own family had no room for them, forcing Jesus to be born among the animals. Then random shepherds showed up at the birth, claiming angels had directed them there. Later, at the temple dedication, a stranger named Simeon prophesied about her child's destiny.

Each time something supernatural occurred, Scripture tells us that Mary "kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often." She didn't immediately understand - she pondered, processed, and contemplated what was happening.

What Does It Mean to Have Faith Without Understanding?

Mary's response in Luke 1:38 reveals a profound truth: "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." This wasn't necessarily a statement of complete understanding, but rather an act of faith preceding comprehension.

Faith Always Comes Before Understanding

If Mary didn't fully understand her calling, what makes us think we need to understand everything before we step out in faith? Faith, by definition, is believing in things not yet seen. When we understand everything, it's no longer faith - it's knowledge.

This principle applies to every area of our lives. Whether facing career decisions, family challenges, or personal struggles, we're called to trust God's plan even when the details aren't clear. Like driving at night with headlights that only illuminate the next 20-30 feet, we don't need to see the entire journey - just the next step.

Is It Okay to Question God?

Throughout Mary's story, we see confusion wasn't the enemy of her discipleship. When 12-year-old Jesus stayed behind at the temple, both Mary and Joseph were baffled by His response about being in His Father's house. Yet Scripture says "they didn't understand what that meant."

Questions Don't Disqualify Us

Confusion or lack of understanding doesn't separate us from Jesus - it can actually draw us closer to Him. Much of Jesus' ministry involved answering questions, and He welcomes our honest inquiries about His plans and purposes.

The difference lies in our heart posture. Some questioned Jesus to test or trap Him, while others like Nicodemus asked genuine questions seeking understanding. God honors sincere questions from open hearts.

How Does God Reveal His Plans Over Time?

Mary's understanding of her son's identity and mission developed gradually. Even during Jesus' ministry, His family didn't always comprehend who He truly was. It wasn't until after the resurrection that Luke tells us Jesus "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."

Revelation Unfolds Through Seasons

We often pray for dramatic moments of revelation, but God typically reveals Himself through our everyday experiences - including pain, suffering, and difficult circumstances. Like Job, who said "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes truly see," our deepest understanding of God often comes through trials rather than comfortable moments.

The cross interprets everything. God revealed Himself not through easy times, but through betrayal, suffering, and sacrifice. If we're expecting God to reveal Himself only through sunshine and rainbows, we may miss His presence in our struggles.

From Faith to Ministry: Mary's Complete Journey

Mary's story comes full circle in Acts 1, where we find her in the upper room with the disciples, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit. The woman who once asked "How can this be?" had become someone who said "Let it be." She witnessed both the birth of the Savior and the birth of the Church.

Our Faith Should Mature Into Service

Mary's journey from confused young woman to mature believer shows us that our goal isn't just to receive from God, but to serve His purposes. Our faith should develop from personal blessing into ministry and service to others.

This challenges the consumer mentality that asks "What's in it for me?" Instead, we're called to ask "How can I serve God's purposes?" like Mary did throughout her life.

Life Application

Mary's story teaches us that we don't need complete understanding before we can follow God faithfully. Her journey from confusion to clarity, from questions to commitment, mirrors our own spiritual development.

This week, instead of waiting for perfect clarity before taking your next step of faith, consider following Mary's example of trusting God in the midst of uncertainty. Whether you're facing a major decision, dealing with difficult circumstances, or simply trying to understand God's will for your life, remember that faith precedes understanding.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What is God asking me to trust Him with, even though I don't understand all the details?
• How can I "treasure things in my heart" and seek God's perspective on confusing circumstances?
• Am I willing to follow God's leading even when the path isn't completely clear?
• How is my faith maturing from receiving God's blessings to serving His purposes?

Like Mary, you may be in the perfect position to experience who God is - not despite your confusion or uncertainty, but because of it. Trust that the same God who guided Mary through her extraordinary calling will faithfully guide you through yours.