No woman likes to be called ordinary. It implies that you are common, usual, or not special. But, that is exactly what Mary the mother of Jesus was – ordinary. Like many young women in those days, Mary was pledged to be married. Some scholars suggest that she was only about 12 or 13 years old. Scripture does not tell us too much about her, except that she was still a virgin.
Then, one special day, an angel named Gabriel came to visit this ordinary girl and calls her to do something extraordinary. Mary was told that she would give birth to the promised Messiah. The prophets foretold Jesus’ virgin birth, but Mary never expected that God would choose her for this incredible task.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. – Luke 1:31-32
What an overwhelming call Mary had on her life! I can only imagine how she was feeling – fearful of what others would think, fearful of the repercussions of conceiving before marriage, fearful that her marriage would not transpire, and, most importantly, fearful that she couldn’t live up to the call.
Mary responds to Gabriel with a simple question, “How can this be?” She was limited by her natural thinking and couldn’t fathom how God could work this out. Logistically, it just didn’t make sense.
I can so relate. Often, God asks me to step out in faith to do something outside my natural ability, and I wonder how will I be able to do it. Like Mary, I’m just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life. I don’t have the natural skill set or means to accomplish all that the Lord asks of me. But, I’ve learned that I don’t have to. I just have to be obedient, and the Holy Spirit will come upon me and enable me. And, He will do the same for you.
The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. – Luke 1:35
Ladies, are you living in a comfort zone, fearful to step out because you are limited by your own natural abilities? God is creating an army of ordinary women and asking them to do extraordinary things for Him. Do you want to be part of this?
You may be just an ordinary girl, but you have a supernatural God behind you that will allow you to accomplish great things for Him.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:38
