The Heart That Submits

Take a minute to read the account of Christ’s “Birth Announcement”:

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’

Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’

And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’…Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.'” (Luke 1:26-35,38)

So often we struggle with God and postpone our submission. And even in Mary’s case, a rash of human emotions and responses probably raced through her mind. And with good reason!

  • Wonder—Mary didn’t understand (verse 34).
  • Fear—Mary was troubled (verses 29-30).
  • Distress—Mary probably knew the penalty for pregnancy outside marriage was death by stoning (see Leviticus 20:10).
  • Troubled—How could she explain this to others? To her family? To Joseph, her spouse-to-be?
  • Questioning—Mary was a virgin and unmarried. Howcould or would this happen?

But, in the end, Mary submitted to God’s mysterious will and purpose from the heart. Beloved, follow Mary’s example. Cultivate a humble heart—a heart of pure faith. In essence Mary’s heart reply to God was, “I live to serve You. I desire no life apart from You. I will do whatever You ask because I belong to You. I will do whatever You ask, quietly and without question. Let it be to me according to Your word.”

Read The Heart That Submits on Elizabeth & Jim George.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


Also in From Our Hearts

Getting to the Heart of God's Word by Elizabeth George
The Heart of God’s Word

by Elizabeth George July 23, 2024

My girls are 13 months apart, which means that during their early years, I often felt like I had twins. I had to really be on my toes-there was little-or-no catching of mistakes I made on the older child so that they wouldn’t be repeated with the younger one. What I was—or wasn’t—doing to love and raise my children was being done to both of them at the same time. 

Read More
Scriptures on Faith, Bible scriptures to memorize
Take Time to Memorize Scripture

by Elizabeth George July 09, 2024

Most of us have no problem memorizing the lyrics to our favorite songs. Sometimes we know them so well, or they're so deeply ingrained in our minds, that they get stuck in our heads. The moment certain songs come on you'll see people rocking in the car or singing along.

Read More
Listening for God's Voice
Listening for God's Voice

by Elizabeth George June 25, 2024

Romans 5:5 tells us, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” If we allow Him to, the Lord will use everyday things to speak His words of wisdom to our hearts.
Read More