Mary’s story

Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared some devotions. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.

Can you imagine how Mary must have felt knowing she was to give birth to God’s son?

I suspect she felt a mixture of terrified, overwhelmed, scared, lonely and inadequate. however I also suspect she was also excited about Christ’s imminent arrival on earth. It’s not surprising Mary felt as she did about the huge responsibility that God had placed on her, but I‘m sure she came to realise that God would not have asked her to bear His son if he didn’t think she could handle the responsibility and pressure he was placing on her.

In those days, a woman who became pregnant out of marriage was seen as being disgraceful, so I’m sure Mary must have felt lonely and outcast by her neighbours and friends. However she did not need to feel alone, as despite how others would see her, Joseph stood by her.

How many of us would have done that if the penalty for doing what was asked of us, was to be spurned by those who are closest too?

The song ‘Breath of Heaven’ gives us a bit of an insight into how Mary felt, and how she truly believed God would help her to be strong, so she would be able to fulfil God’s request.

Then Mary responded, saying, “This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” 

Luke 1:38 (The passion translation)

I hope Mary’s strength and trust in God inspires you to step out and do what God is asking you to do.

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy father you have come
And chosen me now to carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now
Be with me now

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven