Mary was a teenager who accepted the angel's message as truth from God: she accepted that her baby would become the Messiah King (Luke 1:31-33). Most would have thought that the idea was incredible, but Mary believed (Luke 1:45). However, her faith did not close off her enquiring mind; true faith never does. She did not doubt what God would do, but she was curious as to how God would do it, and what part she might need to play.

Some say that science is the opposite of faith. But every scientific enquiry has to start with an axiom – an idea which is believed to be true – and only after that can the experiment be done. The research is done to either prove or deny the axiom. However, when God speaks, He always says what is true – so to know the truth, we just need to believe Him. When we do that, we can cooperate with Him and prove how wonderful He is. Mary wanted to know what she had to do, and the answer was, "God will do it". She was quite content to accept that God would use her, and was glad to have the privilege of serving the Lord.

Although Mary's situation was unique, there are some important principles which apply to all God's children. Firstly, when God speaks through His Word, listen carefully … He is speaking to you. Secondly, do not assume that God will do what you expect … He is God and is calling you to do what He expects. Thirdly, don’t assume that if God's Word seems impossible, that it is wrong … nothing is impossible with God.

When you hear Him speaking, don’t be afraid to ask Him what He wants you to do … almost certainly, He will want you first to accept what He has done, and if He wants you to take any initiative, He will make that plain. The great thing is that God speaks to His people, and if they are humble and servant-hearted like Mary, they will cooperate with Him to their blessing and His glory.