When God’s Invitation Feels Too Big: Lessons from Mary’s Calling
Have you ever felt God calling you to something that seemed completely beyond your abilities? That moment when you sense His invitation but immediately think, “This can’t be for me. I’m not qualified for this.” Mary’s story in Luke chapter 1 shows us that God’s most extraordinary work often begins with the most ordinary people who simply say “yes” to His unexpected invitations.
God’s Invitation Begins with Grace, Not Performance
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, his first words weren’t about what she needed to do. Instead, he declared, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” The story begins with grace. God pronouncing His favor over Mary before any task is assigned.
Why Was Mary Troubled by God’s Favor?
Mary’s troubled response might seem strange until we understand the cultural context. In that time, receiving favor typically meant you were now indebted to someone in a higher position. Grace usually came with strings attached. You owed loyalty or service in return.
But God’s grace is different. It’s freely given with no strings attached. Mary hadn’t done anything to earn this favor; she received it simply because she was God’s child. Grace isn’t a reward for past performance. It’s the starting point of God’s story in our lives.
When God’s Plans Don’t Make Sense
Mary’s Honest Question: “How Can This Be?”
When told she would conceive and bear a son, Mary asked a perfectly logical question: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” This wasn’t doubt. It was honest confusion. At probably 13-16 years old, Mary understood basic biology and knew this was impossible.
Gabriel’s response reveals something beautiful about how God works: “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” This wasn’t about Mary’s ability to make something happen. God would do it for her and within her.
The Language of God’s Presence
The word “overshadow” is significant. It’s the same language used to describe God’s presence filling the tabernacle in Exodus. Just as God’s glory was so thick that Moses couldn’t enter the tent, God’s Spirit would cover Mary with His presence, protection, and power.
God’s Plans vs. Our Plans
Most of us have our lives mapped out. We know what’s happening tomorrow, next month, maybe even next year. But Isaiah reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
When God Makes It Impossible to Say No
Sometimes God doesn’t give us a choice about whether something will happen. He gives us a choice about how we’ll respond. Mary couldn’t say no to God’s plan, but she could choose her attitude toward it.
God often moves us in directions we never planned, not because He’s concerned with where we are geographically, but because He cares about our faithfulness wherever we find ourselves.
Your Calling Is the Same as Mary’s
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose
Mary’s calling was both ordinary (having a baby) and extraordinary (the Son of God). Similarly, God calls us to be vessels through which His presence enters the world through everyday, ordinary opportunities.
The beauty of God’s kingdom economy is that surrender trumps strength every time. God didn’t choose Mary because of her capabilities. He chose her because she was willing to follow, no matter what.
The Power of Simple Surrender
Mary’s response was beautifully simple: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word be fulfilled to me.” In other words, “I’m in. Whatever you need, wherever you call me, I’ll do it.”
You May Never See the Full Impact
Faithfulness in the Moment
You will never know the complete impact of your faithfulness in the moment. It might be years before you see results, or you might never see them at all in this lifetime. But your faithfulness matters—not just for you, but for God’s kingdom.
Whether it’s praying for a wayward child, showing up as light in someone’s darkness, or simply being faithful in small things, your obedience has eternal significance.
There Is No Plan B
Here’s the remarkable truth: God’s plan A is for you and me to bring His light and presence into this world. There is no plan B. While God doesn’t need us (He could accomplish His purposes without us), He still chooses to invite us to share in His story.
Life Application
This week, take time to honestly examine three areas of your life:
What is God inviting you into that feels too big for you right now? Maybe it’s a relationship that needs healing, a ministry opportunity, or a career change that requires faith.
Where do you feel incapable or unprepared? Remember that God’s grace is sufficient, and His Spirit will overshadow you just as He did Mary.
Where do you sense God’s presence in your life right now? Look for the ordinary moments where He’s asking you to be His vessel of grace to others.
Questions for Reflection:
- Am I willing to surrender my plans for God’s purposes, even when they don’t make sense?
- How can I be more faithful in the ordinary opportunities God gives me each day?
- What would change in my life if I truly believed that God’s grace is enough for whatever He calls me to?
Remember: grace leads to calling, presence leads to courage, and surrender leads to strength. God’s invitation may feel too big, but His grace is always enough.