As we look at the life of Mary, we see three aspects of the life of faith. First, Mary’s submission to the will of God in the face of the unknown displays an uncommon faith. Her submission stems from her understanding of who she knows God to be: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Pride often complicates our ability to see God’s plan when it would otherwise be clear. Elizabeth recognized her clear-sighted faith: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

The second trait Mary displays is praise. In spite of her circumstances, she sees enough of the plan of God on her road ahead that she rejoices. For a young teen, Mary displays an incredible, mature understanding of how God works.

1. Her Song of Praise looks back to the story of Hannah and Penuel- she rejoices that God has remembered the humble estate of his servant and her response magnifies God.
2. Her Song also looks back to the Abrahamic Covenant- all the nations of the world would be blessed through her child, the Son of Abraham.
3. Her Song of Praise looks to the current situation of the life of Israel and how they groan for deliverance from oppression.
4. Her Song of Praise also recognizes a pattern in God’s ways which theologians refer to as the notion of reversal: Her praise honors God for filling the hungry, exalting the humble, abasing the proud.

Finally, there is a spiritual depth to Mary. She “treasures” the words and circumstances surrounding her Son. The angel told her she was highly favored, that she would bear a son, and they would call his name Jesus. Jesus would be Son of the most High God and would sit on the throne of His father David forever. She remembers what the shepherds said, what the wise men told her, and above all, what the angel said, “Nothing is impossible with God.” She ponders the words of Simeon: “A sword will pierce your own soul too.”

If we would be people of faith, and follow in the footsteps of Mary, let us submit our wills to the God who has all power and compassion. Let us redouble our efforts to know the words and ways of God and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead in applying them to our own circumstances. Finally, let us meditate, ponder, treasure the ways of God in our lives. What other aspects of faith do you see in the life of Mary?