For I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus – Philippians 1:6
Thinking of this time of year, as we approach Easter, always brings Mary, the Mother of Jesus, into a little more focus than throughout the rest of the year.
When I think of Mary, I think of a woman who is truly just an ordinary person; she could be any one of us. She lived in an ordinary town and lived a pretty ordinary life for a young lady of that day.
Mary was given her significance because of God. This means that God can and does enlist each one of us. Mary became extraordinary, not only because God used her to bring Jesus into the world, but he also knew of her willingness to obey. God had a claim on Mary’s life. Because she was special? No, because he was her creator. God specializes in the extraordinary so that when the victory is won and the task complete, we cannot take any credit.
Mary understood the claim on her life when she was asked by God to be the mother of our Savior; she also knew with the words that were spoken to her by Simeon, “A sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), that her life was not hers anymore.
There at Calvary, I believe that a sword did pierce Mary’s soul. How could it not? As a mother, she was losing her son, but she also gave her Son up for the larger picture of salvation and redemption for the world. Mary’s life was truly extraordinary.
We may think we are ordinary, but we should know that we walk with the power of the Holy Spirit to be extraordinary, to accomplish, like Mary, mighty things for God.
Lord, thank you for reminding me that you can use anyone and everyone. I willingly offer you all that I am and all that I have – choosing to believe that who I am is enough to be used by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Linda Sitterley
Pastor
Eugene, Oregon
Thank you, Linda, for writing and sharing this touching and encouraging devotion.
Thank you Linda. Philippians 1:6 is such a wonderful Scripture! It is so comforting to know that the Lord is patient and always willing to help us finish the race well.
Thanks Linda for this encouragement, we each do live now by the faith of Christ Himself, without Him it would be impossible and thank God that what He has begun in us He will complete! He will keep us in the Fellowship of God thru Christ by His Spirit! 1 Jn 1:3
Thank you Linda, what encouraging and inspiring thoughts these are on Mary, and for us all..thank you for sharing ?♀️?