⭐ Week 3 — Daily Reflections
(Monday - Saturday)
Surrender! Not a favorite word for me. There is something deep in me that resists even the thought of it. I’m a confident dreamer planner, an action and risk taker. Familiar with failure as the cost of growth, progress, and success. But the mere thought of complete capitulation, giving up, accepting complete defeat is hard to accept as a doorway to anything positive. But yet this was probably one of the ways that Mary found favor in God’s eyes.
I understand surrender as an intellectual and theological concept. But fleshing it out in my thinking, my emotions, and particularly my daily life is a CONSTANT challenge. When I don’t see any progress, no fruit of my surrender, I get impatient and take it back. Even if I can’t move it forward, I make it a priority of my efforts, the worry of my heart, and the focus of my prayers and time with God.
God understands this struggle of faith. Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NLT)
The father of the demon possessed son asking Jesus for deliverance cried out my prayer, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
✨ Monday — When God’s Call Doesn’t Make Sense
Luke 1:29–30
Mary’s first response to Gabriel’s greeting was confusion. Surrender often begins in places that don’t make sense — when God’s voice leads us somewhere beyond our logic, strategy, or experience. Faith doesn’t deny confusion; it brings it honestly before God.
Scripture
“Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.”
— Luke 1:29
Prayer Prompt
Lord, when I cannot understand what You are doing, help me trust who You are.
Response Step
Write down one area where God’s direction feels unclear. Tell Him honestly what you don’t understand.
🔍 Tuesday — Wrestling with the Impossible
Luke 1:34
Mary’s question, “How will this be?” wasn’t rebellion — it was honesty. God isn’t offended by our questions; He meets them with revelation and reassurance. Surrender invites God into the places that feel impossible.
Scripture
“How will this be…?”
— Luke 1:34
Prayer Prompt
Lord, show me where I have limited You by my own understanding.
Response Step
List the things in your life that feel impossible. Bring each one to God and ask for His perspective.
🕊️ Wednesday — The Spirit Will Empower You
Luke 1:35
God didn’t ask Mary to fulfill His plan alone. He told her plainly: the Holy Spirit would do what she could not. Surrender is not passive resignation — it is active partnership with God. What He calls us to, He Himself empowers.
Scripture
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you…”
— Luke 1:35
Prayer Prompt
Holy Spirit, do in me what I cannot do in my own strength.
Response Step
Invite the Holy Spirit into one situation where you feel unprepared or inadequate.
🌅 Thursday — Nothing Is Impossible with God
Luke 1:37
This is the hinge of the whole story. Mary doesn’t need clarity, she needs confidence in the One who called her. Surrender shifts our focus from how things will work out to who is at work.
Scripture
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
— Luke 1:37
Prayer Prompt
Lord, build my confidence in Your power rather than my plans.
Response Step
Speak this verse aloud three times today — morning, noon, and night.
✋ Friday — Let It Be to Me
Luke 1:38
Mary’s surrender was deliberate, not impulsive. Her “yes” came after fear, confusion, reassurance, and promise. Surrender isn’t the absence of struggle — it’s the decision to align with God’s word and plans despite the struggle and the cost.
Scripture
“I am the Lord’s servant… May Your word to me be fulfilled.”
— Luke 1:38
Prayer Prompt
Lord, teach me to say yes to You with trust, humility, and obedience.
Response Step
Write your own version of Mary’s surrender prayer in your own words. Add it to your daily prayers.
🎶 Saturday — Worship Is the Fruit of Surrender
Luke 1:39–55
After Mary encounters Gabriel, she travels to visit her relative Elizabeth. The moment she enters the house, Elizabeth speaks prophetically over her — confirming everything the angel had said.
And Mary responds… with worship.
Not because her circumstances have improved.
Not because the road ahead is easier.
Not because the cost has disappeared.
But because surrender has already changed her.
Her outward worship is the natural overflow of an inward surrender.
Her song — the Magnificat — reveals a heart awakened to God’s goodness, purpose, and presence.
Surrender didn’t fix her situation.
It transformed her perspective.
Scripture
“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”
— Luke 1:46–47
Prayer Prompt
Lord, help my worship to rise naturally from a surrendered heart. Teach me to see Your goodness and faithfulness even before the circumstances change. Help me to trust you more.
Response Step
Spend 5 minutes today in simple, unhurried worship. No requests — just praise and thankfulness. Notice what shifts in your heart as you do.
🎁 A Gift to Share
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Sometimes the smallest invitation makes the biggest difference.
Read the full series here: https://thisistheway.live/t/christmas-lights