Saying yes to god - luke 1:26-38
Life does not always unfold according to our plans. Sometimes God interrupts the ordinary rhythm of life with a new direction, a new calling, or a step of faith we did not expect to take. In those moments, saying yes to God can feel both exciting and frightening at the same time. Scripture reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him with an uncertain future.
This message is based on Luke 1:26–38, which teaches us that peace is found not in having all the answers, but in saying yes to God’s will.
This message is based on Luke 1:26–38, which teaches us that peace is found not in having all the answers, but in saying yes to God’s will.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Advent | Week 2 – Peace
December 14, 2025
This reflection flows from Sunday’s message at Prospect Park United Methodist Church. You are invited to worship with us for the full experience of Word, prayer, and community
Advent | Week 2 – Peace
December 14, 2025
This reflection flows from Sunday’s message at Prospect Park United Methodist Church. You are invited to worship with us for the full experience of Word, prayer, and community
Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton, Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church, shares sermons and weekly messages that encourage faith, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Learn more on his pastor page or visit his official profile and media page.
There are moments when God interrupts the ordinary. Times when the rhythm of everyday life is suddenly met with divine purpose, an unexpected calling, or a whisper from heaven that changes everything.
That is what happens in Luke 1, when God sends the angel Gabriel to a young woman named Mary. She was not powerful, prominent, or prepared. She was ordinary, from an overlooked town, living a quiet life. And yet God chose her. God called her by name. That alone reminds us that God does not wait for perfection—He looks for willingness.
When Gabriel greets Mary as “favored one,” Scripture tells us she was troubled and confused. And that response feels familiar. God’s call often stretches us beyond what feels safe or sensible. Obedience does not mean the absence of fear. It means trusting God more than we trust our fear.
Mary’s calling made no sense from a human perspective. How could this be? What would people say? What would it cost her? Yet she did not run. She asked one honest question, and then she trusted the God who answered. Gabriel declares a truth that still speaks to us today: “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Mary’s response changes everything:
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
That is the moment faith becomes action. Mary did not understand the full plan, but she trusted the One who was writing it. Her “yes” made space for God’s power to move through her life in ways that would bless the entire world.
This is not just Mary’s story, it is ours. God still calls ordinary people to step into extraordinary obedience. To forgive when it is hard. To serve when we feel unqualified. To give when resources feel tight. To walk through doors that scare us. And when we say yes, God meets our willingness with His faithfulness.
Advent reminds us that God still comes. He still speaks. He still invites. The question is not whether God is calling the question is whether we are willing to respond.
Prayer
Lord, as we journey through this Advent season, keep our hearts open to Your voice. Give us the courage to say yes to Your will and Your ways, even when we do not have all the answers. Shape us into willing vessels of Your grace, compassion, and love. Like Mary, help us trust that nothing is impossible with You. Come, Lord Jesus. Teach us to say yes, Amen
“Walk by faith, trust beyond what you see, and follow where God is leading—because He is already at work in your life.”
That is what happens in Luke 1, when God sends the angel Gabriel to a young woman named Mary. She was not powerful, prominent, or prepared. She was ordinary, from an overlooked town, living a quiet life. And yet God chose her. God called her by name. That alone reminds us that God does not wait for perfection—He looks for willingness.
When Gabriel greets Mary as “favored one,” Scripture tells us she was troubled and confused. And that response feels familiar. God’s call often stretches us beyond what feels safe or sensible. Obedience does not mean the absence of fear. It means trusting God more than we trust our fear.
Mary’s calling made no sense from a human perspective. How could this be? What would people say? What would it cost her? Yet she did not run. She asked one honest question, and then she trusted the God who answered. Gabriel declares a truth that still speaks to us today: “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Mary’s response changes everything:
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
That is the moment faith becomes action. Mary did not understand the full plan, but she trusted the One who was writing it. Her “yes” made space for God’s power to move through her life in ways that would bless the entire world.
This is not just Mary’s story, it is ours. God still calls ordinary people to step into extraordinary obedience. To forgive when it is hard. To serve when we feel unqualified. To give when resources feel tight. To walk through doors that scare us. And when we say yes, God meets our willingness with His faithfulness.
Advent reminds us that God still comes. He still speaks. He still invites. The question is not whether God is calling the question is whether we are willing to respond.
Prayer
Lord, as we journey through this Advent season, keep our hearts open to Your voice. Give us the courage to say yes to Your will and Your ways, even when we do not have all the answers. Shape us into willing vessels of Your grace, compassion, and love. Like Mary, help us trust that nothing is impossible with You. Come, Lord Jesus. Teach us to say yes, Amen
“Walk by faith, trust beyond what you see, and follow where God is leading—because He is already at work in your life.”
Written by Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton
Learn more about the ministry, leadership, sermons, and community outreach of Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton , Senior Pastor of Prospect Park United Methodist Church.
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Continue Growing in Faith – Sermons on Trust, Waiting, and Hope
Part of the “Faith That Sees Beyond” series by Rev. Dr. Sterling L. Eaton.
These messages continue the journey of faith, trust, and discipleship as we walk together with Christ. Each reflection invites you to explore how faith grows through seasons of waiting, deepens through trust, and is sustained by hope.
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Shared for personal encouragement and spiritual growth. Please do not reproduce or preach without permission or proper attribution.
If this reflection spoke to you, you’re invited to share a brief reflection or reach out as we continue to walk by faith together.
Shared for personal encouragement and spiritual growth. Please do not reproduce or preach without permission or proper attribution.
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Reflections are thoughtfully reviewed before appearing publicly to help maintain a respectful and prayerful space.
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