Each of us was created with a unique purpose (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Romans 12:4-8). Some people go through life never discovering their purpose, others find it and live it out fully, while some know what they’re meant to do but struggle to fulfill it.
Last week, I listened to a message about Mary and her dedication to God’s plan in carrying and raising the Messiah. It made me realize that following God’s call is never easy. Our obedience impacts the salvation of others and following God’s will doesn’t mean life will be easy. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had one of the most important callings in history. Though we remember her for her faith, her journey was full of struggles and was far from enviable.
Mary was just a young woman, excited to be engaged and looking forward to her future. But suddenly, an angel appeared out of nowhere, delivering news that would shake her entire world. God had chosen her—she was to become pregnant and give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom would never end. Let’s not forget, Mary was a virgin, and she was already engaged. Imagine the shock, the confusion, and the fear she must have felt in that moment.
My first question is: why didn’t God wait for Mary to be properly married? It could have saved her from the shame and humiliation of being pregnant out of wedlock. Yet, despite all of this, Mary accepted God’s will without much hesitation. She didn’t think about how it might affect her personally or what it could mean for her relationship with Joseph. Her faith and obedience were extraordinary, even in the face of the uncertainty and judgment she would face.
At her heaviest, Mary faced the journey to Judea with her fiancé, Joseph, to register. Imagine this young, pregnant woman traveling through rough terrain, battling the sweltering heat, mood swings, cravings, and feeling the discomfort of each jarring step on a donkey. Pregnancy in that time was already a struggle, with no modern comforts or safe havens. After enduring this exhausting journey, they arrived only to find there was no proper place to stay or deliver her baby. I would be so frustrated but she handled the situation with so much grace (Luke 2:1-7).
God knew every challenge Mary would face from the start, as this was all part of His divine plan for the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Yet, for Mary, who could only see fragments of the whole picture, this must have been incredibly hard. Uncertain of what lay ahead, she remained sensitive and obedient to God’s voice. Joseph, her fiancé, was equally obedient and loving, standing by her side as she surrendered her body, soul, and spirit to fulfill her purpose. Together, they embraced the unknown, their hearts intertwined in faith and devotion to God’s calling.
Some people might have a rocky start that leads to a smoother journey, but for Mary, life didn’t get easier after giving birth. From the moment she held the Messiah in her arms, she experienced a mix of joy and sorrow. Watching Him grow, she felt overwhelming joy with each milestone—His first steps, His first words, and the awe of witnessing Him perform miracles that changed lives.
Yet, this joy was often accompanied by a growing sense of concern. As He gathered disciples and taught profound lessons, Mary understood the heavy purpose behind His life. She felt pride as crowds adored Him, but also sorrow as He faced rejection and hostility. Each miracle reminded her of the challenges that lay ahead.
Mary endured the pain of seeing her son endure scorn, arrest, and ultimately, crucifixion. Each moment was a bittersweet reminder of her role as a mother, filled with both love and anxiety. Her heart was deeply connected to His divine mission, reflecting the unique challenges and joys of following and supporting her son as he fulfilled his purpose in the world.
They say the greatest pain for a parent is losing their child, but Mary experienced an even deeper anguish. She watched as Jesus rose to prominence, adored by many, only to be brutally beaten and killed. All of this was part of God’s plan, laid out from the very beginning. As she followed Him, she witnessed firsthand the full spectrum of human treatment toward her son—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mary felt helpless, knowing she couldn’t interfere because it was all part of God’s will. Each moment brought a mix of pride and heartbreak.
Her story is a powerful reminder of how our purpose can consume our entire lives. God has a unique plan for each one of us, and when the time is right, He calls us, offering a glimpse of what’s ahead. This revelation can come through dreams, prophecies, or even life’s challenges that push us in the right direction. Although He doesn’t reveal the full picture, He is present with us every step of the way, even in His silence. I can only imagine the moments when Mary prayed fervently for God to have mercy on her son, knowing well the heavy cross He was destined to bear.
When God assigns us such tasks, He also provides us with helpers to support us in our mission. Just as Mary had Joseph, her husband, her cousin Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, Salome, and many others by her side, we too have people in our lives who can assist us. There is always a solution to the challenges we face, and when circumstances remain difficult, it may be because God wants to use those situations for His glory. What we perceive as failure might actually be another stepping stone in God’s grand plan.
The bottom line is that fulfilling one’s destiny is not always easy. With great power comes great responsibility, and similarly, with great glory and honor comes hard work and dedication.
What have we been called to do? How eager are we to obey God’s instructions, even when we feel afraid? Do we allow God to guide us, or are we overly confident in our own abilities? Are we maintaining a constant connection with God to know our next steps? Are we surrounding ourselves with the right people? How do we handle obstacles that come our way?
If Mary had refused to give birth to Jesus, God would have found another willing maiden, and Mary would have missed out on her eternal glory. Despite her struggles, her name remains significant centuries after her death; she is honored both on earth and in heaven.
Her simple act of obedience allowed her to witness miracles, experience honor, and gain respect. For this reason, she serves as a powerful example of how to stay true to one’s calling.
Stay Blessed x
