The Life of Mary

I have been studying the life of Mary - the mother of Jesus. Her life is so intriguing to me, I have already gleaned so much from my short study. Along with my Bible, I have been reading a few other books to enhance my study of Mary. Here is an excerpt from one of the books.

The heart-cry of every woman of God should be, "I am your servant; I am available. Do You want me to be married? I'll be married. Do You want me to be single? I'll be single. Do You want me to have children> I'll raise children for your glory. Do You want me to be childless? Then I will be a reproducer of spiritual fruit in the lives of others. Do You want me to live in a small, overcrowded house? Do You want me to suffer with a physical affliction? Do You want me to homeschool my children? Do You want me to love and serve this husband who is hard to live with? Do You want me to take that young woman under my wing and mentor her in Your ways? Do You want me to give up my free time to tutor that child from a broken home? Do You want me to take meals to that cranky neighbor who is ill? Lord, whatever! I am your servant. May it be to me as You have said."

And here is the prayer of Betty Stam, missionary to China, written nine years before she was martyred for Christ.

"Lord, I give up my own purposes and plans, all my own desires and hopes and ambitions...and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all, utterly to Thee, to be Thine forever...Work out Thy whole will in life, at any cost, now and forever."

Mary was available to be used by God. Her heart was to do the will of the Father. May this be true of me!