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God Loves A Willing Heart
- Mary's Example

Mary illustrates how God loves a willing heart. She was a poor young girl, probably a teenager, who loved God and had a willing heart. She knew the Scriptures. She knew the Promise of God. She knew the Hope of Israel. Like every Jewish girl, she longed to be the mother of the Messiah, but girls and women had been hoping that for 4,000 years. What were the chances that she would be one? Why would God choose her? She was no one special. However, God wasn't looking at things from a human point of view. He was searching hearts.

Mary was shocked and frightened when Gabriel appeared to her and told her she was the one. After Gabriel reassured her, he explained what God wanted to do through her life. Mary was not naive, nor did she allow emotion to control her. She considered what the angel said. She knew babies don’t happen by themselves. Unlike Zechariah, her question was not one of doubt but of method. How was this going to happen? What did she have to do?

God doesn’t mind honest questions. Gabriel, as God’s representative, patiently explained the answer. And as soon as Mary knew she didn’t have to do anything but have a willing heart, she responded:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38, NIV

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man and woman studying the Bible which comes alive to them

God loves a willing heart. It is a beautiful work of art in the eyes of the Lord. Too often, people are full of their plans, desires, and goals. The Kingdom of God takes second place, and they become useless in eternal matters. Jesus said,

“Seek first the Kingdom of God…” [Matt. 6:33].

Also, notice that Mary avoided the traps of false humility and pride. She did not go around boasting that God chose her because she was great. [I suspect she would be horrified at how some religious organizations have almost deified her.] Neither did she moan and groan that she wasn’t worthy; she was just a poor girl, etc. She accepted God's gift with grace and dignity, knowing it was an act of grace and high privilege.

Serving The Lord

Mary considered herself the “Lord’s servant.” In our Western Culture, we have come to value independence. We like to think we are in charge of our own lives and the captain of our own ship. Independence and self-reliance can be good in balance, but Satan has pushed this to extremes. We don’t want to be under authority. We don’t like to submit to anyone or anything. We want to be “free.”

That was not Mary’s attitude, nor is it the attitude of Christians who understand God's ways. Mary felt it was an honour to serve Someone greater than she was. It was a privilege to respond to His calling. She had the willing heart that God loves. She saw herself as under the Lord's command. All He had to do was ask. Is that our attitude? Or do we weigh the desires of Jesus against what we consider to be in our best self-interest? Are our eyes focused on Him or ourselves?

Mary looking at the cross on a stormy day

God Asked!

Did you catch that? The Almighty God of the universe chose to ask a young girl if she would allow Him to carry out His purpose in her life! God asked! Imagine that! The plan of eternity, the revealing of the operation on which the salvation of human beings hung, the hope of the ages…and God asked a teenage girl if she would allow Him to work His plan through her life. The image of God as a Dictator or harsh, unloving Father is a lie of the Devil. God does not force Himself or His will on anyone. Mary considered and gave her permission.

God Loves A Willing Heart

What about you and me? God loves a willing heart. His work is not done. Salvation has been purchased, but its full effects are not yet felt on this planet. His Will is not being done completely on Earth as it is in Heaven. The implementation of Christ’s victory is still in progress. God searches for the man or woman, the boy or girl, who will yield their will to His to accomplish His purpose in their lives and expand His kingdom in the world. D.L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God will do through a person totally yielded to Him.” We did see it once…in Jesus Christ. The World has never been the same.

I remember seeing an interview with Gladys Aylward [The Small Woman - a remarkable story] where she talked about being a lonely missionary in China. She prayed for a spouse and believed God answered. But nobody ever came. God called, but someone refused the call - he said, ”No” - …and missed the will of God and the opportunity of a lifetime.

The most significant step in seeing God's will fulfilled in your life and mine is having a heart willing to let God move in it and have His way, regardless of the cost. God loves a willing heart.

Glenn Davis is a Christian author and Bible teacher whose work draws on more than 40 years of study, writing, and teaching in local churches. He has written 700+ articles, created five Bible courses, published three books, and shared 300+ Bible videos on YouTube. Readers can find his books on Amazon, follow his teaching on YouTube or visit Glenn Davis Books. Away from the keyboard, he enjoys time with family, reading, walking, and board or card games.

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