Imperfection used for Redemption

Mary, the young woman who went through the agony of childbirth and then years later the agony of watching her Son die a horrific death.

I think of her the way probably a lot people think of her. I think of Mary being the essence of perfection. Obviously who else but a perfect woman would be chosen to carry the king of kings in her womb for 9 months?

Mary wasn't perfect. The child she carried beneath her heart was perfect, but Mary was cursed with a sin nature just like the rest of us.

Mary fought sin. She might have fought selfishness. She might have fought pride. She might have fought self-control.

Mary seems to me like the friend we all have. The friend who has it all together. The friend who never utters a word that shouldn't be said. The friend with a perfectly beautiful organized life. The friend whose actions and life drips the fruit of the Spirit.

Secretly we envy and wonder their how they do it. How can someone be so entirely perfect and how can I myself be so awful in comparison to them?

And then one day we sit across wooden tables and drink coffee and the friend mentions a struggle they have been having. You try your best not to gap in astonishment.Seriously they must be telling a tall tale to make you feel better for sharing all the woes of your own life.

No one is perfect. We all struggle with our own weaknesses and sinful desires.

Mary was weak, she just like everyone else needed the strength of her Lord.

God did not pick Mary because of her perfection. I think, notice the word think, God called Mary because of her willingness to follow God.

 And Mary said:

“My soul exalts the Lord, 

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 

 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

Mary submitted. Imperfect Mary submitted. The impossible was done through her, because she let God work in her life.

We don't know the struggles of Mary's heart. The thoughts she was tempted to think or the words she might have regretted saying.

All we know is that Mary was a piece of God's plan in bringing redemption to this earth. God used an imperfect piece to complete His perfect plan.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in comparison to other's "perfection" that we miss the task God has laid before us.

God gave Mary a task that was not worthy for, but Mary embraced the task and served her Lord.

We are so weak compared to God, yet God chooses out of His grace to use us for His glory.

I'm not sure I will ever get over that awesome thought.

Mary is not to be worshiped, her actions are not to be worshiped, but the Son Mary gave so much for is to be worshiped.

Let us adore Him.