The calling God had placed on Mary’s life wasn’t something she could hide. She was carrying a child. And not just any child — the child Israel had waited hundreds of years to see! 

Mary’s response to the miracle God chose to do through her was to worship. Luke 1:46-56 is a song to God. When Mary says, “From now on all generations will call me blessed,” she wasn’t being proud (Luke 1:48). She was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given to her. 

Just like God did something special in Mary’s life, He is doing something special in each of us. He has a plan and purpose for all of us (Ephesians 2:10). And as we discover our spiritual gifts and embrace God’s plan for our lives, people take notice.

So when that happens, how do we respond?

God is pleased when we accept His gifts and use them for His glory, and He is pleased when we point the credit for our talents back to Him. That’s what Mary did. 

Mary knew the miracle God was doing through her was a direct result of God’s ability and not her own. In fact, to not recognize God’s faithfulness would have been prideful because she would have been taking credit God deserved. 

Pride refuses to accept God’s gifts or takes credit for what God has done. Pride says, “I can do this on my own” or “I don’t need you.” The truth is that it’s only because of God’s strength and goodness that we are able to do anything. 

The best way we can thank God for what He’s doing in and through us is to praise Him and use the gifts He’s given us to serve Him. Allowing the great things God does through us to give Him glory instead of us — that’s the kind of humility we still remember Mary for. 

Reflect:

• What are your God-given talents and gifts? How are you using them to glorify God?
• How do you respond when people comment on something you’re good at? 
• What’s one way you can celebrate what God’s doing in you without making it about you?