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When I think about the plans that the Lord has for me -- plans of good and not evil, plans for prosperity and hope, plans to be a partner with Him to do kingdom work -- my spirit woman cries out "I wanna be like Mary!" So why do I, on certain days, find myself saying, "I wanna be like Mary?" Mary, the mother of Jesus, when an angel told her that she was going to give birth to the savior of mankind -- without the benefit of marriage (maybe not such a big deal now, but back then -Whew!), she replied, I am the handmaiden of the Lord, let it be done to me.

Mary trusted God, even when it was not convenient to do so, even when it did not make natural sense, even if it could have cost her the love of her life, and even if it meant becoming the subject of the latest gossip at the well. In my mind I am like Mary. Within my heart, I desire to be like Mary -- to so trust God that, no matter what it may cost me, I want to do whatever God asks of me. But in my walk, I do not always exhibit the obedience of Mary. Doubt, fear, pride, and the cares of this world get in the way.

The bad news is that my disobedience costs me the intimacy I desire with God and others and it costs me the rewards of obedience promised by God. The good news is His mercies are new every morning and every morning I have another opportunity to get it right. "Lord, I want to be like Mary and with Your help ... today I will walk in total obedience".