“… Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

— Isaiah 7:14

Do you sometimes face what may seem like impossible obstacles? Perhaps you’re facing one even now. In these times, take heart because God can do the impossible. He did the impossible in the life of one of His humble servants, Mary, the mother of our Lord, the most famous woman in the world.

The promise of Isaiah 7:14 had been made long ago. All Jews knew about it. In all the godly homes, mothers would tell their daughters about that promise, and a thrill would go through the young girls’ hearts. It seemed an inspired dream that had blossomed only to fade with each passing century.

Mary knew the Scriptures; she had hidden God’s Word in her heart. And when the time came and the angel of the Lord spoke to her, she recognized the words of the prophet Isaiah. She, Mary, would give birth to the Son of the Most High, who would rule over the house of Jacob. Mary heard and believed. She placed her will and her dreams of a life with Joseph under God’s will, under the awesome fulfillment of the prophesies of the Messiah.

The mystery of Mary is a paradox adored by some, ignored by others. What is the truth about this one chosen by God, who in her own life experienced the paradox of God’s blessing? To be chosen by God involved not only a crown of joy, but also a cross of sorrow. She knew the wonder, the tremendous joy of bringing the Messiah into the world, but she also knew the heartbreak as she stood before the cross at Golgotha.

At the beginning and at the end of Jesus’ life, we find that the light shone brightly upon Mary, and we see her at her greatest moments. We see that, truly, she was blessed among women. We should all aspire to be like Mary, who answered God with humility and resigned herself joyfully to His will no matter the cost. As you consider impossible obstacles in your life, follow Mary’s example, trusting your life to God and submitting your will to His.

“Next to her son, Mary is the most
touching figure in the narrative.”
Will Durant