“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”  (Luke 1:45)

These are the words of Elizabeth to Mary upon her arrival at Elizabeth’s house.  We might wonder how Elizabeth knew to commend Mary for her decision to accept Gabriel’s message before Mary told her.  The Gospel of Luke says that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit at Mary’s greeting.  By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth commended Mary for believing what she was told.

Elizabeth was also aware that her husband, in contrast to Mary, was rendered mute when he questioned the angel’s message that Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist in her advanced age.

So, here we have the Holy Spirit in Mary giving rise to the Holy Spirit in Elizabeth, and the Holy Spirit in Elizabeth commending Mary for her faithful acceptance of God’s will to give birth to Jesus.      

Surely, Mary’s statement to the angel Gabriel, “May it be done to me according to your word,” has provided the example of true and humble faith in accepting God’s will for every generation since Jesus’ birth. 

Seeking and fulfilling God’s will should be a primary objective for all of us in our walk of faith. This can involve significant life decisions such as our vocation, where we go to school, what our occupation will be, who we will marry, how we will raise our children, where we will live, to daily choices such as how we relate to others, share our faith, and pray.

One area in which I have tried to follow God’s will is listening to his prompting to pray with someone when they share a health issue or other significant challenge.  I will offer to say a prayer with them for Jesus to act on whatever their need may be.  Sometimes I pray in an email or text response.  I have never received a negative reaction.    

Are you asking God what he wants you to do with a significant decision or a daily choice?