I am the Lord’s Servant

From the Desk of David Boyd, National BGMC Director

The angel stood before Mary, describing to her the great plans that God had for her. Her Son would be called the Son of the Most High. These “great plans” would not immediately be for her benefit. To begin with, she would experience the grave embarrassment that came with being pregnant outside of marriage. Her condition would cause Joseph pain as well. Her life would never be the same, yet her answer was, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

How do we respond when life turns upside down? Perhaps, in your place of employment, you have found your job description to no longer be what you signed on for. Perhaps the immense growth you expected has proved to be a slow trickle. In response to these disappointments, do you contentedly say, “I am the Lord’s servant?”

Some time ago, I moved to a new town and a new church to work as children’s pastor for a great man of God. My wife and I felt so privileged to be working alongside such a respected individual. Nine months later he was elected district superintendent, and a new young pastor was elected to the church. It was then that we understood God’s full plan for our lives. He had brought us all this way to partner with this young pastor. “He needs good staff,” I heard God say to my spirit. “We are the Lord’s servants,” my wife and I responded. Eight good years of ministry followed.

Mary rode to Bethlehem on a donkey. Ready to give birth at any moment, it must have been an agonizing ride. She longed for the journey’s end, for a warm bed, soft covers, and a quiet room. Instead, she received a stable. Her lodging may have been drafty, smelly, loud, and unkempt yet not once do we sense an attitude from Mary of anything other than, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

Looking back on difficult times in our lives, we sometimes get a glimpse of the purpose for which those events took place. But sometimes we don’t. However, God works His good will in our lives. He walks us through difficult moments. He utilizes us to the fullest if we keep our attitudes in check and respond, “I am the Lord’s servant.”