First Good Samaritan Baptist Church
The Caring Church, Preparing the world by Sharing the WORD!

Weekly Word

Sermon Prepared By Minister Sheila Hickman

Luke 1:38
38 Then Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel went away from her. New Life Version

Are We Willing To Let It Happen?

Luke’s account of Mary’s news regarding her announcement from God has a valuable lesson for all who believe. Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel was the long-awaited news that the nation of Israel had been waiting for since the prophets of old spoke, as with Isaiah of the coming Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

When Mary was greeted by Gabriel she was struck with fear, he said to her “Do not be afraid, you have found favour with God.” You are to become a mother and have a Son.

Mary asked the angel, “How will this happen? I have never had a man.” Gabriel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The Holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.

Verse 38… Then Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.”
Are we willing to let it happen? What an example Mary is for us to follow. God wants every one of us to be like Mary when it comes to serving HIM.

4 Lessons we can learn from Mary:

1. It’s ok to be afraid, at first – Mary teaches us that we shouldn’t let fear paralyze us from accepting our calling. II Timothy 1:7

2. No matter who you are the Lord can use you – Despite knowing what God had called her to do; Mary’s answer was yes to what God had called her to do. We should worry about our status because God call all types of people to do his work. Isaiah 43:1

3. Be available – Mary’s response, “I am willing to be used of the Lord” her understanding that it is not your ability that matters to God, it is your availability. II Timothy 2:20-21

4. Have faith – Faith is central to Mary’s story. If we truly trust and believe in God’s power to deliver on His promises no matter how impossible they may seem, we too can be used by HIM.

The question still remains…Are we willing to let it happen?

Written by Minister Sheila Hickman
Minister of Evangelism