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Breaking the Fear Barrier



I'm amazed at Mary's courage. She took so many risks when she agreed to be the vessel to birth Jesus and raise Him. The faith of such a young girl astonishes me. When the angel Gabriel foretold the birth of her son Jesus, Mary responded in faith "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." Her bold demeanor stunned her pregnant cousin Elizabeth, who exclaimed in a loud voice: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:3

A similar dialogue occurred in my own kitchen not too long ago as I was preparing to entertain my guests with a favorite meal. My cousin thought that I was courageous to take on house guests and cooking for everybody, confessing that such a task would make her so nervous that she would end up in bed with a three-day headache. She has a lovely home and is a good cook, but she’s too much of a perfectionist. I quickly admitted that although I enjoy impersonating Martha Stewart in my kitchen, I have my areas where my blood pressure rises in fear, too. Put me in heavy traffic in a big city with unfamiliar streets and landmarks and I’m a nervous wreck. You can keep that kind of adventure!

My cousin and I need to be a little more like Mary and Elizabeth. Mary knew the secret, I think. She did not depend on her strength. She submitted to God. It takes no faith to do things that we know how to do. But what kind of faith rises up in us when we have to depend on the Lord to do His will in the midst of our inadequacies? Is it lean faith, no faith or do we say: “Here I am, Lord. May it be done to me according to Your will.” There are no excuses. Am I afraid? I need to do it anyway. I need to do it, even if I do it afraid.

This post connects to On Your Heart Tuesday at A Pause on the Path.

Comments

  1. RCUBEsDecember 19, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    I don't know about Mary...if that was me when the angel came, I would have been out the door with hair flying up!!! And that's what I need to learn...is to have a submissive heart like Mary. Every day.

    Thank you for reminding me.

    Merry Christmas sister and may the Lord's richest blessings be upon you. God bless and love to you.

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  2. ShandaDecember 19, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    I love this verse because it shows that Mary made a choice from the first moment to submit to the will of God. She had no way of knowing the outcome but she chose to obey.

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  3. DeniseDecember 19, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Such a wonderful post, love you.

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  4. ReneeDecember 20, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Mary's sweet submission is an amazing inspiration. Good post!

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  5. JoAnne PotterDecember 20, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    As the wife of a soldier, I have often been reminded that courage does not exist in the absence of fear. Well done.

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  6. PeggyDecember 20, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    That's the secret. Not depending on our own strength. A good reminder this time of year. God's blessings on you this Christmas! Peggy

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  7. Susan BDecember 21, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    A lovely post. I need to be more Mary too...and so often I'm not. Thank you for the reminder.

    Wishing you a very Happy Christmas with your loved ones! :)

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  8. NanaNor'sDecember 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Hi there, What astounds me even more was that Mary was just a teenager-probably 15 or 16; when I reflect on my own immaturity at that age and that of others I am again blessed that she didn't question but submitted and obeyed.
    I love your honesty about driving in big cities-I'm the same way but then again, it's all about keeping our trust and focus on Him.
    Christmas blessings from my home to yours.
    Noreen

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  9. SharonDecember 21, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Mary, this was powerful - and I so appreciated what you had to say about Mary's courage. Yes, she was well-chosen by God.

    You're absolutely right - we cannot depend on our own strength - most of us would wilt on our own in the face of daunting circumstances. But, praise God - we are not on our own.

    That fact was proven by the arrival of Emmanuel - God with us.

    What a gift - what a promise. We are never, ever alone.

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry CHRISTmas!

    GOD BLESS!

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  10. Just Be RealDecember 22, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    Blessings to you dear one. Merry Christmas

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  11. KaySDecember 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    I love this post! God is really speaking to me through this ... the other night I watched a movie on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and I don't know the name, but the focus was on Mary (and Joseph). It was so good, and it made me stop and consider once again how courageous Mary was, how srong her faith was, and what a bold beautiful mother she was to our Lord. I can't wait to meet her someday in Heaven! And when you do -- you can talk about your names!!! :)

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  12. Mevely317December 23, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    I love how you prompt me to think ... and then think again!

    Wishing you and your family a bright and beautiful .. and blessed Christmas!

    Love,
    Myra

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  13. Kathleen December 24, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I have often said that it's easy to have faith when you don't need it. Nothing like a fire-breathing dragon on your tail to test the quality of one's faith :)

    I know you've got a lot happening this holiday season, Mary, so know that I've had you in my thougths & prayers. Enjoy your journeys and the memories that will come of them.

    Merry Christmas,
    Kathleen

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  14. Debbie PetrasDecember 26, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    How true your words are! May we become more like Mary and Elizabeth. I want to have faith even when I don't know the future. I want to rest in His provision and not mine.

    Knowing your kindness, I'm sure you shower your guests with love. So no matter how the meal turns out, they will still be blessed.

    Merry Christmas!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  15. lioneagleDecember 27, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    Hi Mary -

    Excellent words of wisdom, lady.

    It's such a comfort to know that our Lord is with us in ALL that we do. He's such a loving Father, isn't He, Mary?!

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