“I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10b)
I had sought refuge in a small memorial chapel during an unexpected heavy rain shower. Very minimal daylight was present inside. Tapered candles, lit and placed in trays of sand were the first images I could see. Then I saw her in sculpture, bathed in this candlelight–Mary holding Jesus in her arms at the foot of the Cross.
God had chosen Mary to birth His son, Jesus. An angelic encounter brought this news to her. Anointed words had greeted her bewilderment, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30). Humbly, Mary said “yes” in agreement. How could she have deeply known what that “yes” would mean? We now know it was a pivotal moment for all of mankind.
In this sculpture image, I viewed a mother looking at the mutilated dead body of her son. This occurred before a Resurrection Sunday. Mary was human and so was her grief. She may have wondered how much more she could withstand from that “yes” murmured thirty-four years earlier.
Yet each of us can have our beginning moments of saying, “yes”, to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Our spiritual womb fills with his presence. How could any of us know where our “yes” will take us.
Such a vow places us at the edge of many unknowns. It will mean “yes” to plans bigger than our understanding, “yes” to times of both ease and difficulty, and “yes” in faith to follow a risen Lord in trust, regardless of what occurs along the pathway of our life. The One we follow assures us that there are no unknowns to Him.
Mary’s years of love and faith were not in vain. Neither are ours. With each “yes” we gain strength. It may seem as weak as a small flickering candle’s flame but we have the grace to continue to move into God’s wider light. One day we will step into the eternal light of Home where there will be no more unknowns.
Prayer: Yes, Lord. As those who have gone before me and who were upheld as they walked in your righteousness, I choose to do the same. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 30 years of living with daily physical challenges.
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How can Mary’s example help you face the current unknowns that overwhelm you? How does your faith and assurance of Christ’s Resurrection help you continue to say, “yes” to Him, in spite of questions that remain unanswered?
Thankyou sooo much for this devotion. It really ministered to my soul & the tears that flowed were ones of encouragement. I’ve been really missing not being able to get to church for the Easter services, but your devotion has filled the void. Be encouraged in your gift of writing. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you so much. Your words – even the title – were an encouragement to me as I face making a decision about a new opportunity at work. I want to say yes, and by faith believe God has brought this opportunity to me, but daily my body alerts me to new concerns that cause me apprehension about taking on more responsibility. I will hold your reflections about Mary in my heart as I continue to seek discernment.
Thank you, Lynn, for this beautiful and much needed word of encouragement.God is ministering richly in spite of the fact that I won’t be able to be in church for Easter – something I know many can relate to. I am still able to exalt Him and lift Him up, because He is always worthy. I am still able to be in His word, and soak in the true meaning of it all. I pray that for all who are missing services this week you are given encouragement of heart and sweet times with our Father. God bless you and all who come here. <3.
Kerryn – how wonderful it is for me to read your words in response to my writing. The experience I had in writing it – and it unfolded as I shared , right in a little memorial chapel in that candlelight – had me in awe as God poured His message into me. I need it ever so much myself as more “yes” moments come my way.
May God meet you with more of Him this Easter as you commune at home. Often that can be more meaningful than amidst the crowds. But I also understand your wanting to be able to have the choice to go or stay home.
You encourage my heart. Thank you!
Love. . .Lynn
Robyn – I am prayng for you about this new opportunity. I am grateful that the message God gave me to share has become an encouragement to you as you seek discernment.
May He give you a peace that passes understanding as you decide. For truly, when a door is opened by Him, His grace flows with us to take the steps through – and grace to do the tasks involved. Conversely, I pray that if this is not His will for you at this time, it will be very evident. He is great at closing doors, too.
Have a Blessed Easter!
Love , Lynn
BeBe, I appreciate your comments.
They are so true as God is the sanctuary that dwells within us. Yes, it can be nice to go and worship with others esp. on such a beautiful occasion as Easter.
Yet – it is the Person, not a place that needs our heartfelt attention.
I can see you enjoying a “sunrise” right there where you and God are resting and rejoicing.
I plan on such time here myself – where I live.
Bless you – and thanks!
Love . . .Lynn
Lynn, I cannot tell you how much your kind words have made my day! I couldn’t agree more. Yes, I am a sunrise/sunset lover! 🙂 Maybe we will even be enjoying that “sunrise” right in the places where we are in the morning at about the same time. You never know…God is soo amazing. Blessed Resurrection Day to you, sweet “Sunrise Sister” In Christ! Love, bb <3
BeBe – so nice to read your thoughts here!
“Sunrise Sister” – how nice that sounds.
I do believe we will both be appreciating the dawning of Easter Day this year!
Love. . .Lynn 🙂
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Nenita, how wonderful that you found Rest Ministries “by error!” You might enjoy joining the Sunroom too. Lotsoluv Kerryn