Lean In and Listen "Mary"

Just how important is it to LEAN IN AND LISTEN to the voice of God? The first warning of a possible Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor arrived, January 27, 1941 in a coded cablegram from the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Joseph C. Grew and was addressed to The US State Department. Grew’s cable reported that “the Japanese military forces planned to attempt a surprise mass attack on Pearl Harbor.” A State Department Japanese-language specialist believed the warning and urged his superiors to treat it as such. However, Grew and U.S. intelligence specialists dismissed the report as a wild rumor.

Many lives were lost the 7^th of December, 1941, and a great deal of pain came as a result of ignoring the warnings. The assault, which lasted less than two hours, claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people, wounded 1,000 more and damaged or destroyed 18 American ships and nearly 300 airplanes. There are several things that can cause us to “Lean in and Listen.”  Sometimes it’s passion; other times it’s pain and there are times it’s pressure. Just how well are you Listening to the Lord’s words to you?

Mary was just a young virgin girl who Leaned In and Listened to God’s message through an angel of the Lord named Gabriel; He appeared with a pertinent message for Mary. (Luke 1:26-35)

·             “The Lord Is With You.” That was the first thing that God spoke to her. Mary would soon realize just how important that statement was in giving her courage and faith in the days ahead.

·              “Don’t Be Afraid, You Have Found Favor with God.” Where would you be today without the favor of God on your life? Mary was chosen for an assignment that would change the world. Did you realize you can achieve great things for God, not because of your gifts, but because of His favor on your life?

·             “You Will Conceive and Bring Forth The Son Of The Most High.” Can you imagine what went through her mind that day? She said, “That’s impossible, I’ve never been with a man.”

·             “The Holy Spirit Will Come Upon You, And The Power of the Most High Will Overshadow You.” God’s word can be unthinkable, unexpected, extraordinary, and mind boggling. She was leaning in to listen to this incredible word that would forever change and bring hope to the world.

Can you imagine what Mary would have MISSED had she rejected God’s plan for her life? I hate to think what I would have missed in life if I had not learned to Lean In and Listen to God’s still small voice. It was at a burning bush that Moses heard God say, “Go tell Pharaoh the King of Egypt; let my people go.” When Elijah was running in fear from Jezebel, God showed up in the cave where Elijah had hidden. God said, “What are you doing here? I’m not through with you; go back and anoint the King of Syria, the King of Israel and anoint young, upcoming Elisha.” Listening and obeying is essential for each of us.

Mary could have run from God’s plan, but instead decided to hang tough through the pressures of people’s suspicions, doubts, reservations and unbelief. What if she’d refused to accept God’s plan of bringing Christ into the World? Would God have found someone else? I can’t prove it, but I personally do believe God would have moved forward with His plan. However, Mary would have missed the joy of being a part of God’s plan in bringing Christ into the world. Will you Lean In and Listen to what God is saying to you? Your greatest JOY in life is doing things God’s way.