Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite  her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and  humility, declaring herself the Lord’s servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from  self-sufficiency and embrace God’s sufficiency by relinquishing control and trusting in His plans.  Mary’s words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God.  

Put It into Practice: Begin each day with a prayer like Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant.”  Incorporate as many “yes” moments in response to God into your daily life as possible, actively  aligning your actions with God’s will even when challenging.  

 

Day 1      Luke 1:26-38  

Reflect: Why do you think God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus? How does Mary’s response  to the angel Gabriel exemplify the concept of surrender and giving up self-sufficiency?

Apply:   Mary had questions for Gabriel. How can questioning be a part of a healthy faith journey? Is  there a situation in your life where you might need to surrender control and trust in God’s plan?

Pray:    Lord, fill me with Your peace, as I seek to surrender my plans and embrace Yours. I choose to  relinquish control, placing my full trust in Your wisdom and timing. 

 

Day 2      Luke 1:46-55 

Reflect: How does Mary’s song reflect her understanding of God’s character and actions? What  about her relationship with Him? How does her story reflect God’s faithfulness to His promises?

Apply:   What do you learn from Mary’s humility and trust in God? How can applying the themes of  God’s grace, power, and mercy to your life, impact your desire and ability to surrender? 

Pray:     God, help me to remember Your unwavering love, Your constant care, and to trust Your  divine plan for my life, even when the path ahead seems unclear. 

 

Day 3      1 Samuel 1:9-20 

Reflect:  What do Hannah’s emotional state and prayer life reveal about her relationship with God?  How do her prayers and surrender mirror Mary’s experience? What have you promised God? Why? 

Apply:    How can surrender lead to unexpected blessings? Are you crying out to God for something? What does your prayer of provision, surrender, and promise sound like? 

Pray:     Father, in my prayer life, bring me to that point of desperation, believing that Your power to  answer my pleadings is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

 

Day 4      Psalm 25:1-10 

Reflect: How is this psalm like a prayer of surrender and giving up self-sufficiency? Can you truly  proclaim what David did in verse 1? How can you practice this kind of trust in your daily life?

Apply:   When do you rely on self-sufficiency rather than God’s sufficiency and why? How does  humility influence your relationship with God and your role in being used by Him for His purposes?

Pray:    Father, I humbly seek the guidance and protection of Your unfailing love. Teach me Your  ways and show me Your truths. I trust You to lead me on the path of righteousness. 

 

Day 5       2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

Reflect:  What does Paul mean by “For when I am weak, then I am strong”? How does this paradox  challenge our usual understanding of strength and weakness? How is surrendering a part of this? 

Apply:   In what areas of your life do you feel weak or inadequate? How can you invite God’s power  into those areas and rely on His strength? How do God’s words in verse 9 resonate with you?

Pray:     Lord, help me to embrace my vulnerabilities, not as a source of shame, but as opportunities for Your strength to be revealed. May I find joy, knowing that in weakness, I am truly strong in You.