Luke 1:38 - Faith, Trust and Obedience.

Luke 1:38 - Faith, Trust and Obedience.

Luke 1:38 (TNIV) "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May 
it be to me according to your word." Then the angel left her. 

Mary: Woman of Faith
  The customary age for betrothal among Mary's people was 13 or 
14, so she was "probably a young girl when her parents arranged her 
engagement to Joseph. The angel Gabriel visited her shortly afterwards and 
announced that she would bear the Savior of the world. 
  Jewish society treated unmarried pregnant women with shame and 
scorn, yet Mary remained strong in her faith. Expecting the worst from 
Joseph, her family, and her society, she gratefully accepted God's will 
for her life. 
  Mary was an ordinary girl with extraordinary godly character 
that gave her an uncommon faith. Completely trusting in her God in 
every way, Mary was a good and faithful servant. 
  Mary provides a model of inspiration for ordinary women who 
can fulfill their deepest vocation by placing themselves at the 
service of others. She lived her life in relative obscurity, yet the 
world has celebrated her obedience to God for nearly two thousand 
years. [Life Principles SB By Charles Stanley re Luke 1:31-38] 

A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster. 
Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably 
remain unmarried for life. If her own father rejected her, she could be 
forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living. And 
Mary, with her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, 
risked being considered crazy as well. Still Mary said, despite the 
possible risks, "May it be to me as you have said." When Mary said that, 
she didn't know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She 
only knew that God was asking her to serve him, and she willingly 
obeyed. Don't wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to 
God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems 
disastrous. [Life Application SB] 

God's announcement of a child to be born was met with various 
responses throughout Scripture. Sarah, Abraham's wife, laughed (Genesis 
18:9-15). Zechariah doubted (Luke 1:18). By contrast, Mary submitted. She 
believed the angel's words and agreed to bear the child, even under 
humanly impossible circumstances. God is able to do the impossible. Our 
response to his demands should not be laughter, or doubt, but willing 
acceptance. [Life Application SB] 

How We Life - Trusting God
  Trust is not always easy to obtain, and it is sometimes 
difficult to give. When you gain the trust of another, you must remain 
trustworthy in order to keep it. Likewise, when you put your trust in 
someone, you do so because you believe that person won't let you down. 
  Imagine how much Mary trusted God when she willingly took on 
the task of being the mother of God's Son! Sure, she had her 
questions, but when God answered, she believed without fear. God chose Mary 
for one of the most important acts of obedience he has ever 
demanded. Without questioning God's choice, Mary answered by saying, "I am 
the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come 
true." Because Mary trusted God with her whole heart, he was able to 
use her for an extraordinary purpose. 
  If you are unsure about how God can use you, think again. 
God's plan for you doesn't rest solely on education, ability, or 
experience. He is looking for people who are willing to wholeheartedly trust 
him. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Luke 1:38] 

She was "blessed among women" because of the grace of God given 
to her (vv. 28, 30). All who trust Christ as their Savior are 
highly graced by the Lord (Eph. 1:6). [Chapter by Chapter Bible 
Commentary by Warren Wiersbe]