Even though Gabriel’s greeting is welcoming and assures Mary of her favour (her graciousness, kindness, and generosity of spirit), Mary is troubled.

It makes me think of how often we find ourselves wishing we would hear from God. However, when we do hear from Him, we are often troubled, worried, fearful, and doubtful. We wonder if this is actually God we are hearing and if we can trust His incredible plans.

Even Mary says, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” She points out to Gabriel how impossible God’s message is and where she thinks He might struggle.

We too often question God’s direction and plans for our life. We point out to God how His way might not suit and we indicate how our suggestion might be better. We try to trade God’s work for our controlled preferences.

Sometimes even a promise from God in our lives – like the coming of His Spirit – leaves us wondering if God actually knows what He’s doing or if He can do what He says. Gabriel assures Mary, “No word from God will ever fail.” Nothing is impossible for God.

Mary then does what I think we all wish we would willingly do. She trusts God to do the seemingly impossible. Even though she does not understand how it will work or what it will look like she says, “May Your word to me be fulfilled.”

May we surrender to God’s plan for us, however impossible it may seem, and may we trust Him to fulfil His word to us. 

Jana Doughty