How to Respond to God's Leading

People communicate in many ways. What about God? Does He have an answering machine? How does He call people, how does He lead them, and how should they respond? Mary was a young woman when she was engaged to Joseph. One day the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that God had a special mission for her. The Holy Spirit would soon cause her to become pregnant, and she would give birth to God's Son, Jesus. This was of course incredible news and a bit frightening; people might think that she had sinned by getting pregnant before marriage. Gabriel assured her that God was with her. Mary said that she was ready to serve God and then responded with a beautiful song of praise and thanksgiving to God. Here is what you can learn from Mary's experience.

Step 1 - Be Available

From Luke's account, we don't know exactly what Mary was doing when Gabriel visited her. What's important is that God knew she was ready and willing to serve Him, wherever she was and whatever He wanted. Open your mind and heart to God's next assignment for you.

Step 2 - Be Amazed

The Lord of the universe had sent His messenger to an unknown young woman in a town called Nazareth. Mary was in awe. You may not receive an angelic visitor, yet the same Lord is ready to communicate with you through His Word. The Bible tells us what God wants us to do. It is truly awesome.

Step 3 - Be Appreciative

Mary could have responded "Oh, really?" or "Not me, Lord!" Instead, her heart filled with gratitude for what God was going to do through her son and spilled out with a song. Be thankful - God is at work in the world, and you are a part of His team.

'FUN FACT'

When you are called, the question is not about "when is the right timing" but 'when are you ready to take the first step of faith, trust Him and obey His call?'

Daniel Wong, Ministry Assistant of WHC