We are privileged to hear from Pamela Polanco this week! Be sure to head over to the contributors page so that you can learn more about her.
Oh, sweet Christmastime! I’m certain that we all have a favorite memory around this time of joyfully celebrating the birth of Christ. Christmastime is one of much preparation and anticipation for the future. Personally, I tend to plan around this time (which is a good thing), but lately, the Lord has been teaching me that I need to be at peace with Him undoing my plans. You see, He is often redirecting my will so that I can better follow His.
A Bible character that beautifully shows the benefit of allowing God to take the reign of our life is Mary. After an angel visited Mary with the good news of Christ’s coming, she humbly received the news delivered. Scripture says, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38).
Mary abandoned her goals and accepted God’s decree. She had a pending wedding ceremony and a future to build next to her groom. It is safe to assume that she had dreams centered on her society’s expectations. We don’t know if she ever considered, “What if the Lord comes and undoes my plans?” She likely didn’t, yet God did, and she accepted it.
While Christmas is foremost about Christ and the miracle of His incarnation with the final purpose of imparting mankind salvation, we cannot forget that God needed a biddable woman, a willing handmaid, to unfold His marvelous plan. This story is greater than Mary, but she is essential to the story.
The most wonderful miracle came from Mary’s obedience; however, she signed up for trials by submitting to God’s plan. She was murmured about, her purity was questioned, and her anticipated future became uncertain —she did not know if her betrothed would still marry her or what the future would be like for her child.
Honestly, she had no idea how painful Christ’s earthly life would be. Mary likely thought her child would rule the nations (just as the Jews believed); this young mother possibly dreamed of crowns and deliverance and never thought that God’s will came with thorns and nails. Nonetheless, God used the circumstances for her benefit — for our benefit.
In preparation for the Christmas miracle, Mary had to say, “Lord, undo my plans, redirect my will, and let it be according to Yours.” Her few words were the acceptance of pain and public shaming but of ultimate redemption. It was the beginning of the most beautiful story in human history.
Yes, allowing God to change our plans might often mean welcoming trials, but it also signifies surrendering to Him and embracing His divine guidance, which will always benefit us. Life is more rewarding when God orchestrates our steps. After all, He uses everycircumstance for our greater good and His glory.
Friends, let’s allow God to continually undo our plans and redirect our minds so that we can better follow His will.
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