"I am the Lord's servant."

Many people do not realize that Mary actually sings in the bible. This song is located in the Book of Luke, Chapter 1, verses 46-55. Have you ever stopped to read through it?

Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Song

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me -
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

Mary knew it would not be easy. She knew she would face ridicule from those in the town. Yet, she kept her faith, and told the angel "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

How often do we accept what God offers us, especially when we know that what we are offered will not be easy to bear? How ready are we to say 'I am the Lord's servant, and God's will be done'? Do we rejoice when we pick up our crosses? Or do we moan and wail, wishing and praying that the burden be taken from us.

There is a beautiful song out there that asks, in part, "Mary, did you know...". Mary could not have known the final outcome. She only knew what the angel told her. Yet, she accepted God's will. She had to rely upon her faith during her pregnancy, and while raising Jesus. She had to rely upon her faith while he began his ministry. And, in the end, she had to rely upon that faith as he was handed over to Rome and crucified. Her faith saw her through all those years... over 33 of them.

When times get rough, remember to praise God. God will never let you down, nor will he cast you aside. It's difficult to imagine, as we wade through all the suffering life offers, but truly, God does have a plan. Each day is a gift from God to us, and an opportunity to grow spiritually.