What Will They Think?Sample

What Will They Think If I Obey God?

When I was fourteen, a girl made fun of me, and I locked myself in a bathroom to wallow in my tears. When I remember the tears I cried about how she viewed me, I get frustrated. I couldn’t control her opinion, and I was missing out on my true purpose.

I bet you, too, can list a few stupid things you’ve cried about. Maybe you found out there’s a group text that doesn’t include you. Perhaps you cried when you realized people thought about you less or lower than you wished.

At age fourteen, I was trying to be cool in school and overthinking every social outing.

Mary was being approached by an angel.

As was common in their culture, Mary was about fourteen when she was engaged to marry Joseph. Then an angel approached her, saying, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).

Imagine how you would feel if you were Mary. You’re excited to marry Joseph, and you’ve never had sex. Suddenly, an angel appears and basically says, “Hey, don’t be afraid. You’re going to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and this child is going to be the Savior of the world. See ya in nine months!”

Mary’s response to the angel seems crazy to me. After hearing this news, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me” (v. 38 gw). Mary didn’t have details, but she did have her big God.

You may feel a calling from God, but you want God to give you all the details and promise you’ll be safe, well liked, and successful. Being bold isn’t about being safe. And being bold isn’t about knowing how it gets done. It is about knowing why it needs to be done.

When you realize that each day God gives you is the opportunity to share the One who died for you and loves you, it is easier to be bold. You may not know how, but if He has called you to it, then He’ll make a way for you.

Lord, too often I want to know the details before I’m willing to step out in obedience. Help me obey Your calling as Mary did, surrender my life to You, and trust Your plan for me. Amen.