Was Mary a 12 Stepper?

December 9

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Part of my personal recovery plan is attending Al-Anon meetings. When I read the Christmas story, and look at how Mary handled what was happening to her, I recognize some of what I have learned over the years. In fact, as far as "The 12 Steps" go.. she definitely nailed the first three; Acceptance, Trust, and Surrender.

First God chose Mary, an unwed, virgin teenage girl to carry His son. May it never be lost on us that His perfect choice is most often the person that would deem themselves least qualified. He takes the verse about his power being made perfect in our weakness very seriously (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Look at Mary‘s response and how that response correlates with the AA or Al-Anon steps.

Step One

Acceptance

Admitted we were powerless...

When Mary was given the news that she would carry the son of God her response was to admit her powerlessness. She was a virgin and to be pregnant was impossible without divine intervention. (Luke 1:34)

Step Two

Trust

Came to believe...

The angel Gabriel then explained that the Holy Spirit would cause her to become pregnant. (Luke 1:35) Her response- “ I am the Lords servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38)

Step 3

Surrender

Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God

Luke 1:46-56 is Mary‘s response to first accepting, then trusting, and finally surrendering her will to God. In these verses she goes on to say, “How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he took notice of his lowly servant.”

Are you feeling unqualified for what life has seemingly called you to today? The good news is you are NEVER without choices. You can choose to accept that you’re powerless on your own, trust that God can restore you and surrender to his care.