These are the words spoken to the young lady called Mary. She was chosen to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith in God’s eternal purpose encourages every mother to be like her.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1: 26 to 38 we read Mary’s conversation with the angel. In the beginning, we see how she reasons for her pregnancy. It was difficult for her to comprehend such a thing can happen, furthermore to bear the responsibility of nurturing the Son of God on earth was beyond understanding.

There are those days when everything is chaotic, children are just not listening and you begin to believe, “I am not made for this.”
Mary, the mother of Jesus was a simple, next-door girl. And to her came an angel and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Vs. 28). Though God the Father approves of Mary being worthy, Mary is confused by this kind of greeting. In her life, she may have never heard such words used to describe her. “Highly favored!” are words of acceptance and designation to do something, she couldn’t believe she could be favored by anyone. As a young, first-time mother the first question that could arise is, “Will I be able to take on the responsibility? Am I capable enough?”

Isn’t this what most of us mothers think about ourselves?

“You are highly favored!” The Lord trusts you with your children and knows that you alone are capable to nurture your children He has entrusted you. No other hands other than yours can bring solace to your children. The Lord equips you with His wisdom, His love, and His compassion and strengthens you with His grace as you bring up your child. All you have to do is ask Him and believe that He empowers you. “The Lord is with you.”

“How will this be since I am a virgin?” (Vs 34). Mary is told what will be given to her and the responsibility given was beyond imagination. Never was such a thing ever heard of and the fact was so unreal. Mary was a virgin and totally inexperienced in nurturing a child. Therefore the description of the Lord Jesus Christ in verses 32 and 33 was all the more intimidating. The young to-be bride was preparing for her wedding, excited and stepping into her next milestone, and now the pressure of bringing up the Son of the Most High!

Too many things happening at one time?

Like Mary, we have our dreams and desires well planned but suddenly the presence of a child crushes them all. “Things are getting out of our plan.” “This is not how I expected my child to grow.”

 “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Vs. 38.

The Lord is looking for your willingness to raise your children up in His ways, He is not looking at your experience. Nurturing children is not easy but let us remember it is a privilege that we have to accept and take on. We all are inexperienced but as we surrender to the will of God, His Spirit gives us the wisdom and understanding to raise our children. That is why with each growing stage, our ways get more instinctive than planned. The Holy Spirit guides us as we deal with our children each day. It is for us to surrender to Him and seek His face.

Mothers, you have invested your life in your children through the years. Your children have flown away from your nest. Your eyes yearn to see them, ears to hear them, and your hands always fold to pray for them.

To see your children grow well is a joy and this joy cannot be replicated. Mary, treasured God’s word in her heart even though she couldn’t understand Jesus’ ways. (Luke 2:50)

I believe every time she found it difficult to understand Jesus as He grew, she remembered the promise God gave her before He was born. This dependency on God strengthened her relationship with Jesus. We see while His death on the cross Mary didn’t leave and Jesus too didn’t forget her. In that agony, He gave her responsibility to John. (John 19:26)

God honored Mary and kept His promise to her, the same way God honors you, He has seen the effort you have taken in bringing up your children. Your children may not acknowledge it but your Heavenly Father acknowledges the time you have invested in each one of them. Your child has gone astray and you think you have messed it up? Remember God will never let you down. “For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37. He is your glory and the lifter of your head.

Mothers, You are Highly Favored!