Have you had someone in your life that you looked up to? Has there been someone you thought was a wonderful role model? Is that person a person of faith? Has their faith been solid throughout the years? Would you like to have a faith like them?
Most of us, as we grow up, have someone we look up to. It may be a parent, a coach, a teacher, or even an older sibling. Some of us have people we admire for one quality or another when we are adults. Sometimes, we take on their qualities that we admire.
There have a been a couple of men in my life that I looked up to for different reasons. One was a Warrant Officer when I was a young Marine. I was early in my career and he was this wizened old man that gave some very sage advice. Of course, as I look back now, he wasn’t as old as my 20-year-old self thought he was. But I can still hear his advice and it is still relevant.
The other is a man that taught me a lot about thinking through God’s Word. He and I had many long conversations, especially as I was going through a tough time. He also gave some sage advice, though from a different perspective. I treasure our talks, even if we don’t have them near as often now as we once did.
We have examples of some amazing faith in the Bible. I venture to say Mary is toward the top of the list, if not at the very top. As a young girl, likely between the ages of 12-16 when Gabriel visits her, demonstrated a rare faith. It was a short conversation, but she did not hesitate. She humbled herself to God’s will.
Mary set an example for us to follow. Oh, I doubt we will have Gabriel show up on our doorstep to deliver a message about God’s plan for our lives, but we do receive messages. Our messages come by reading the Bible, praying (both requesting and listening), and from other believers.
God continues to work in this world. He continues to provide us guidance. He does it much the same way He always has. You see, visits from angels are extremely rare, even in the Bible. Perhaps we should be on the lookout for God’s messages and be willing to follow them in faith, much like Mary
I pray we all look and listen for God’s messages. I pray we decide to follow His guidance. I pray each one of us will demonstrate a faith like Mary’s. Look for God working. Listen for God’s voice through others. Have a faith like Mary. Ask God to increase your faith. Trust God.
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Marty Pressey 