Through Her Eyes

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 NIV

“No Greater Love” by Simon Dewey

I think of her every year on Christmas and Easter; sometimes in between. I imagine Mary’s life as seen through her eyes. A young woman, chosen by God to birth and mother the Savior (see Luke 1:35). A mother who watched her grown up son abused, beaten, and hung on a cross as a criminal.

There are many aspects to her story. We can delve into Mary as a mother, a wife, a disciple of Jesus and more. But what strikes me most this Easter season is Mary’s trust in God. When the angel visited this teenage virgin, Mary could have chosen to resist the will of God, instead, she chose to trust. She walked each day with eyes of trust- even as she followed her son on His walk to the Cross (see John 19:25).

TRUST:

1a : assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something

b : one in which confidence is placed

2a : dependence on something future or contingent: hope

MerriamWebster.com

Mary’s trust in God resonates deeply with me these days. Not because I trust as she did, but because I don’t. Oftentimes, I do not view my life through trust-filled eyes. I ruminate on the untrustworthiness of those I’ve loved. I worry about the future. I take things into my own hands before seeking the Lord. It has been especially challenging these weeks of Lent because I suspect God is leading me to a deeper place of dependence. He continues to knock down my trust-borders. I DO NOT LIKE IT.

So, as I read the Easter story, I focus on Mary’s example. Did Mary know exactly what was to come? Did she fully comprehend it? I don’t think so. How could anyone, really? Yet, she trusted God for the unknowns of her story. On that dark Friday, as she watched her child hang unto death, did she question God? Maybe. Was she afraid? Probably. But on that blessed Sunday, her trust was rewarded by fulfilled prophecy. Mary’s child resurrected- conquering death and fulfilling His purpose (see Isaiah 53 & Psalm 22:19-11). The most glorious day! Ever. And her trust-filled eyes saw all of it

My friend, how are you this Easter? Are your eyes filled with trust? Or is God knocking down your trust-borders? Are you afraid?

I am.

But, like Mary on that glorious day, we will see our trust rewarded. God will never forsake us (as it says in Psalm 9:10) and we can experience a deeper intimacy with Him that comes from trust-filled lives.

Our challenge is to walk each day anew, committing ourselves to God as He expands our trust-borders. Even with our fears and questions, may we live as Mary did with trust-filled eyes turned toward our Savior.